North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What is defined as protein in the urine in excess of 1 g/L?

1. Proteinuria

2. Preeclampsia

3. Hemolysis

4. Nephrotic syndrome

The correct answer is: Proteinuria

Proteinuria is defined as the presence of an excess amount of protein in the urine, and a commonly accepted threshold for diagnosing proteinuria is indeed greater than 1 g/L. In the context of midwifery and maternal health, proteinuria can indicate complications such as preeclampsia, but it is a standalone clinical term used to describe any abnormal amount of protein in the urine, regardless of the underlying cause. Preeclampsia is a specific condition that can involve proteinuria along with hypertension, but it requires additional criteria beyond just the presence of protein in the urine. Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells and is not directly related to protein levels in urine, and nephrotic syndrome is a specific type of kidney disorder characterized by high levels of proteinuria, but it describes a syndrome rather than defining the condition itself in the manner specified in the question. Therefore, the definition provided in the question specifically aligns with the term proteinuria.