Which term describes reduced production of urine?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Nocturia
• C. Oliguria
• D. Uremia

Answer: (C)

Reduced urine production is described by oliguria. This term captures a lower-than-normal urine output, typically defined in adults as less than about 400 mL in 24 hours (some sources use <0.5 mL/kg/hour for precision in children). Oliguria signals the kidneys aren’t producing urine at their usual rate and can occur with dehydration, reduced renal perfusion, acute kidney injury, obstruction, or other illnesses affecting kidney function. It’s different from polyuria (excessive urine production) and nocturia (urination at night). Uremia refers to a buildup of waste products in the blood due to kidney failure, not the amount of urine produced.