How will the nurse assess for flank tenderness in a patient with suspected pyelonephritis?

Percuss between the iliac crest and ribs at the midaxillary line.

Push fingers upward into the two lowest intercostal spaces.

Palpate along both sides of the lumbar vertebral column.

Strike a flat hand covering the costovertebral angle (CVA).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Percussion between the iliac crest and ribs at the midaxillary line is not the standard method for assessing flank tenderness associated with pyelonephritis. This technique may not elicit the characteristic pain of kidney inflammation.

Choice B rationale
Pushing fingers upward into the two lowest intercostal spaces is not a specific test for flank tenderness and may not accurately assess for pyelonephritis. This action is more related to assessing the integrity of the rib cage and intercostal muscles.

Choice C rationale
Palpating along both sides of the lumbar vertebral column is not the correct method for assessing flank tenderness due to pyelonephritis. This approach is more suited for assessing the musculoskeletal structure rather than the kidneys.

Choice D rationale
Striking a flat hand over the costovertebral angle is the correct method for assessing flank tenderness in cases of suspected pyelonephritis. This technique, known as costovertebral angle tenderness, elicits pain when the kidneys are inflamed, which is a common sign of pyelonephritis.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A high calcium diet and hypercalcemia are not directly associated with pyelonephritis. While dietary habits and blood calcium levels can impact overall health, they do not typically contribute to the development of pyelonephritis.

Choice B rationale
Long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to kidney damage, which may increase the risk of pyelonephritis, especially if there is pre-existing kidney impairment. However, it is not as directly related to pyelonephritis as a history of UTIs.

Choice C rationale
A history of UTIs is relevant to pyelonephritis, as the infection can ascend from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys. Recurrent UTIs are a risk factor for pyelonephritis, making this the most likely report from the client.

Choice D rationale
Genetic diseases can have various impacts on health, but there is no common genetic disease that directly causes pyelonephritis. This choice is less likely to be relevant to the client's current condition.

A. Obtain orders from the health care provider to discontinue catheters as soon as possible. B. Remind clients to urinate right away when they have an urge and to completely empty their bladder. C. Promote perineal care that includes wiping the perineum from front to back. D. Encourage continuing prescribed antibiotics even if the client's symptoms have subsided. E. Encourage adequate fluid intake every day if appropriate.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Removing catheters as soon as they are no longer necessary can significantly reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)¹.

Choice B rationale

While it is important for clients to urinate when they feel the urge, this practice alone is not specifically targeted at reducing the rate of urinary tract infections.

Choice C rationale

Teaching proper perineal care, including wiping from front to back, can help prevent the spread of bacteria to the urethra and reduce the risk of UTIs¹.

Choice D rationale

Continuing prescribed antibiotics until the full course is completed, even if symptoms improve, is crucial to ensure all bacteria are eliminated and to prevent antibiotic resistance³.

Choice E rationale

Adequate fluid intake helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which can decrease the incidence of UTIs¹.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

How will the nurse assess for flank tenderness in a patient with suspected pyelonephritis?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is gathering medical history from a client admitted for pyelonephritis. Which of the following should the nurse expect the client to report when asked about their medical history?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In an effort to decrease the rate of urinary tract infections, which of the following should the nurse manager teach the nursing staff? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is educating the public at a health fair about colorectal cancer. Which of the following risk factors increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer? (Select all that apply.)

Which laboratory finding indicates the resolution of a patient's acute pancreatitis?

A patient is admitted with esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Which underlying cause of these conditions would the nurse suspect?

A patient admitted with acute kidney injury due to dehydration has oliguria, anemia, and hyperkalemia. Which prescribed action should the nurse take first?

A nurse is providing discharge education to a client diagnosed with fluid volume excess (FVE) due to liver failure. Which of the following meal options should the nurse recommend for the client?

A 42-year-old patient is newly diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The patient asks, "Can this be cured?" Which of the following treatment goals are appropriate for a patient with IBD? (Select all that apply.)

Which of the following are causes of intrarenal acute kidney injury? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results from a client who has prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse expect?