What does an abnormal acetone/ketone value in urine indicate?

An abnormal acetone or ketone value in urine typically indicates the presence of ketones, which can signify a state of ketosis in the body. When ketones are present, it often suggests that the body is using fat as a primary source of energy rather than carbohydrates. This can occur in various conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, fasting, starvation, or a low-carbohydrate diet.

The range of "small to large" for ketone levels aligns with the potential variations in ketosis severity. A "small" presence of ketones may indicate mild ketosis, while the "large" category suggests a more pronounced state of ketosis, which could be indicative of a metabolic disturbance, typically seen in diabetic patients who are not managing their condition effectively.

In contrast, the other answer choices don't accurately reflect the interpretation of abnormal ketone levels. "Negative" implies there are no ketones present, which does not apply when the values are abnormal. "100 mg/dL" quantifies a ketone level but doesn't encapsulate the varying degrees of presence. "Positive" merely suggests that ketones are detected but does not provide clarity on the extent of that presence.

Thus, “small to large” is the correct interpretation of abnormal ketone presence as it