What action should be taken if a urinalysis reagent strip indicates a positive result for glucose?

When a urinalysis reagent strip indicates a positive result for glucose, notifying the physician for a microscopic examination is the appropriate action because the presence of glucose in urine, known as glucosuria, can indicate underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus or renal glycosuria. A microscopic examination can help confirm the results and determine if there are additional abnormalities in the urine that require further assessment.

This action reflects a standard protocol in medical practice, where any unexpected or abnormal results warrant communication with the healthcare provider for deeper investigation. The microscopic examination may reveal other important factors, such as the presence of ketones, red or white blood cells, and bacteria, which may influence patient management.

Other options do not adequately address the need for further investigation of a positive glucose result. Re-running the urinalysis without the strip does not provide any additional information or confirmation. Analyzing specific gravity does not directly relate to the presence of glucose and would not aid in diagnosing the underlying cause. Documenting the findings and proceeding without notification could lead to overlooking a significant health issue that requires timely intervention.