Ok here is a wierd one, Urine Smell

[GeriatricSunshine]

One of our residents has a strange urine odour. It smells very, very strong and almost smokey at times.The doctor said there was no infection and to push more fluids. She still has this odour and is drinking a TON. It is kind of sulpher like and smokey? The doctor is done with his diagnosis I guess. Anyone have any ideas? She is constipated a lot.

[carlarn, BSN, RN]

I think I would look at the types of foods she is eating. Also, does she smoke? Is she around people who do? While it is doubtful the smell is due to smoking, anything is possible. Just because there is no infection doesn't mean there isn't an underlying cause.

[GeriatricSunshine]

No she dosen't smoke.It is really strange it is a gagging strong smell.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

What is the resident's diet like. Certain foods (asparagus being an example) are more prone to have odor than others.

Also, certain medications can cause urine to smell (such as antibiotics).

[bookwormom]

How about meds? Here is an interesting link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Modafinil#Urine_smell_of_sulphur.3F

Of course asparagus gives a wierd smell too, but not everyone notices it.

[Zee_RN, BSN, RN]

As other posters said, I'd check her medication list. I got report last week from a nurse who told me the patient's urine smelled "foul." When I emptied the catheter bag, I recognized the smell immediately -- the patient was receiving IV Unasyn and it gives the urine a distinct odor.

[IMustBeCrazy]

Several times when I've cared for patients with bladder CA, the urine smell is unlike anything I've ever smelled before, very distinctive.