The nurse is reviewing data collected on a patient with a urinary tract disorder. Which health problem should the nurse suspect is affecting this patient?

Question

1. pyelonephritis
2. nephrolithiasis
3. hydronephrosis
4. cystitis

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Pyelonephritis usually has a rapid onset, with chills and fever, malaise, vomiting, flank pain, costovertebral tenderness, diarrhea, hematuria, pyuria, and urinary frequency. Laboratory diagnosis indicates a high bacteria count and the presence of E. coli in 85% of cases, with urine cloudy and more alkaline. Nephrolithiasis may have few symptoms until a stone blocks urine flow, and a dull flank pain may be present. Patients with hydronephrosis typically have colicky pain on the affected side that may radiate to the groin; otherwise, manifestations are few. Cystitis presents with symptoms of dysuria, urinary frequency, and urgency, and urine may have a foul odor and cloudy or bloody appearance. But symptoms are more localized to the suprapubic and lower pelvic region.