Which symptom indicates altered urinary function?

Altered volume of excretion is the symptom that indicates a change in urinary function because it directly reflects how the kidneys are processing and eliminating waste from the body. When urinary function is altered, you may see changes in the amount or frequency of urine produced—either an increase (polyuria) or a decrease (oliguria or anuria). These variations can indicate various underlying issues, such as fluid imbalances, kidney dysfunction, or conditions affecting the urinary tract.

In contrast, decreased thirst, increased appetite, and balanced electrolytes do not specifically address urinary function. Decreased thirst may suggest dehydration or other issues but does not directly measure how well the urinary system is functioning. Increased appetite is more related to metabolic and nutritional factors and does not provide information about urine production. Balanced electrolytes indicate a stable biochemical state in the body and do not specifically correlate with urinary excretion patterns.