A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about pyelonephritis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Pyelonephritis increases a person's risk for kidney damage."
"Pyelonephritis is an infection of the lower urinary tract."
"Pyelonephritis often causes no symptoms in affected clients."
"Pyelonephritis is most often caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "Pyelonephritis increases a person's risk for kidney damage." - Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the renal parenchyma and renal pelvis, typically caused by the ascent of bacteria from the lower urinary tract into the kidneys. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, including scarring of the renal tissue and impaired kidney function.
B. "Pyelonephritis is an infection of the lower urinary tract." - This statement is incorrect. Pyelonephritis specifically involves the upper urinary tract, affecting the kidneys. In contrast, infections of the lower urinary tract (such as cystitis) affect the bladder and urethra.
C. "Pyelonephritis often causes no symptoms in affected clients." - This statement is incorrect. Pyelonephritis typically presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, painful urination (dysuria), and frequent urination. Clients with pyelonephritis usually experience noticeable symptoms.
D. "Pyelonephritis is most often caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus." - This statement is incorrect. While Staphylococcus saprophyticus is a common cause of urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis is more commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often ascend from the lower urinary tract into the kidneys.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Apply a moisture barrier ointment to the client's skin
Applying a moisture barrier ointment creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing prolonged exposure to moisture, which can lead to skin breakdown in individuals with urinary incontinence. Keeping the skin dry and protected is essential in preventing skin irritation and breakdown.
B. Check the client's skin every 8 hr for signs of breakdown - Skin should be assessed more frequently, ideally every 2-4 hours, especially in clients with urinary incontinence, to detect signs of breakdown early.
C. Clean the client's skin and perineum with hot water after each episode of incontinence - Hot water can be harsh on the skin and exacerbate irritation. It's recommended to use mild, warm water and gentle cleansing techniques. Harsh cleaning methods can damage the skin.
D. Request a prescription for the insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter - Indwelling urinary catheters pose an increased risk of infection and other complications. Catheters should only be used when absolutely necessary, and preventive measures should be taken to manage incontinence without catheterization whenever possible.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Urinary tract infection
The symptoms described, including recent mental status changes and periods of incontinence, are suggestive of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an elderly individual. UTIs are common among older adults and can cause a variety of symptoms, including confusion, which is often the primary manifestation in the elderly population. Other symptoms can include urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
B. Acute kidney failure - While acute kidney failure can cause changes in urination and mental status, it is less likely to be the primary cause of these symptoms in this scenario. UTI is a more common and immediate concern given the symptoms described.
C. Septic shock - Septic shock is a severe condition that occurs when an infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure. While septic shock can cause altered mental status, it is a critical condition that often presents with more dramatic symptoms and requires immediate intensive care management. The symptoms described are more suggestive of a UTI.
D. Urinary stasis - Urinary stasis refers to the slowing or cessation of urine flow. While urinary stasis can contribute to the development of UTIs, it is not a condition that would cause sudden and acute mental status changes and incontinence on its own. UTI is a more likely cause of the symptoms described.
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