While collecting a client's urine sample, which condition would the nurse suspect if the sample has a strong odor of ammonia?

• A. Urinary tract infection
• B. Dehydration
• C. Diabetes mellitus
• D. Kidney stones

Answer: (A)

A strong ammonia-like odor in urine is most often a clue of a urinary tract infection. Bacteria in the urinary tract metabolize urine components and can produce ammonia, giving that distinctive smell. While dehydration can make urine more concentrated and its odor stronger, the specific ammonia scent is more closely associated with infection. A fruity odor would point toward diabetes, and kidney stones typically present with pain and blood in the urine rather than a notable odor. So, the odor signals the presence of infection in the urinary tract.