Which compound forms calcium carbonate in alkaline urine?

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Multiple Choice

Which compound forms calcium carbonate in alkaline urine?

In alkaline urine, carbonate ions are more available, so calcium ions can combine with carbonate to precipitate as calcium carbonate crystals. This makes calcium carbonate the compound that forms when the urine pH is high and calcium is present. The other options don’t form calcium carbonate under these conditions. Sulfonamide crystals come from the drug itself and can precipitate in urine, especially at higher pH, but they’re not calcium carbonate. Leucine crystals arise from certain metabolic disorders and have a different composition and appearance. Amorphous phosphates are phosphate-based precipitates common in alkaline urine, but they’re not calcium carbonate.

In alkaline urine, carbonate ions are more available, so calcium ions can combine with carbonate to precipitate as calcium carbonate crystals. This makes calcium carbonate the compound that forms when the urine pH is high and calcium is present.

The other options don’t form calcium carbonate under these conditions. Sulfonamide crystals come from the drug itself and can precipitate in urine, especially at higher pH, but they’re not calcium carbonate. Leucine crystals arise from certain metabolic disorders and have a different composition and appearance. Amorphous phosphates are phosphate-based precipitates common in alkaline urine, but they’re not calcium carbonate.

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