Pyelonephritis Overview and Pathophysiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of Pyelonephritis?

An infection with normal kidney function (correct)

A chronic kidney disease

A urinary tract infection

A bacterial infection with high severity

What is the pathophysiology of Pyelonephritis?

Pathogens invade the kidney leading to scarring and fibrosis.

Which of the following are clinical manifestations of Pyelonephritis? (Select all that apply)

Severe headaches

Fever/Chills (correct)

Significant pain in flank area (correct)

High blood pressure

What is a major risk factor for developing Pyelonephritis?

Long-term history of urinary tract infections. Signup and view all the answers

Which tests are commonly used for diagnosing Pyelonephritis? (Select all that apply)

Serum test from blood Signup and view all the answers

What is Glomerulonephritis?

Inflammation of the glomerulus. Signup and view all the answers

What main factor is a risk for Glomerulonephritis?

Having an autoimmune disease. Signup and view all the answers

What are the clinical manifestations of Glomerulonephritis? (Select all that apply)

Generalized Edema Signup and view all the answers

Why does Glomerulonephritis cause hypertension?

Because edema causes a negative feedback. Signup and view all the answers

What does the arterial blood gas test indicate in Glomerulonephritis?

Would be very acidic Signup and view all the answers

What are normal sodium levels?

135-145. Signup and view all the answers

What causes low sodium levels in Glomerulonephritis?

Patient holds onto fluid. Signup and view all the answers

Normal BUN level is ______.

8-10 Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for Creatinine levels?

0.5-1.5. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of kidneys? (Select all that apply)

Red blood cell regulation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pyelonephritis

Defined as a "true kidney infection."
Typically follows a long history of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Acute and reversible; kidneys maintain normal function during infection.

Pathophysiology of Pyelonephritis

Results from pathogens invading the kidneys, leading to scarring and fibrosis.

Clinical Manifestations of Pyelonephritis

Characterized by significant flank pain and kidney inflammation.
Accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, hematuria, and fatigue.
Presence of white blood cells (WBC) in urine is common.

Risk Factors for Pyelonephritis

Individuals with a prolonged history of UTIs are at higher risk.

Laboratory Tests for Pyelonephritis

Elevated WBC count in serum blood tests.
Urinalysis reveals WBCs, indicating kidney illness.
Systemic blood tests and cultures to identify the causative organism.
Increased specific gravity in urine due to concentration.

Glomerulonephritis

Represents inflammation of the glomeruli, an exclusively inflammatory condition.
Not bacterial; cannot be treated with antibiotics, involving antigen-antibody responses.

Role of the Glomerulus

Functions in the filtration of red blood cells (RBC) in the kidneys.

Risk Factors for Glomerulonephritis

Associated with autoimmune diseases or history of lupus.
May occur secondarily to infections in children; more prevalent in women.

Clinical Manifestations of Glomerulonephritis

Symptoms include generalized edema, hematuria, and foamy urine with protein.
Hypertension is also a common manifestation.

Hypertension Mechanism in Glomerulonephritis

Occurs due to negative feedback from edema affecting blood pressure.

Diagnostic Tests for Glomerulonephritis

Utilizes scans with radioactive dye and assesses arterial blood gases.
Evaluates levels of potassium, hemoglobin, RBC, calcium, sodium, BUN, creatinine, and BNP.

Arterial Blood Gases in Glomerulonephritis

Indicates bicarbonate levels, often revealing metabolic acidosis due to acidity.

Normal Calcium and Sodium Levels

Normal calcium levels range from 8-10.
Normal sodium levels fall between 135-145.

Calcium Levels in Glomerulonephritis

Patients often experience hypocalcemia due to impaired calcium absorption, leading to fractures and seizures.

Sodium Levels in Glomerulonephritis

Sodium levels may be low due to fluid retention, leading to potential mental confusion.

BUN Levels in Glomerulonephritis

BUN levels rise because of increased serum protein and amino acids resulting from inadequate protein breakdown.

Normal Creatinine Levels

Standard creatinine levels are 0.5-1.5, indicative of kidney function.

Function of the Kidney

Responsible for RBC regulation, toxin excretion, pH regulation, renin-angiotensin system, water balance, electrolyte balance, and vitamin D regulation.

Erythropoietin and RBC Regulation

Erythropoietin activates in response to low RBC levels, leading to anemia due to low hemoglobin.

Toxin Excretion in Kidney Dysfunction

Kidneys excrete potassium, often causing the body to retain it.

pH Regulation in Kidney Dysfunction

Low bicarbonate levels result in decreased pH, indicating acidosis.

Vitamin D and Kidney Function

The kidneys help regulate vitamin D, which is critical for calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Renin-Angiotensin System in Kidney Issues

Functions as a potent vasoconstrictor, leading to increased blood pressure in cases of kidney dysfunction.

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Description

Explore the intricacies of pyelonephritis, a type of kidney infection that commonly follows urinary tract infections. This quiz covers pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, associated risk factors, and relevant laboratory tests. Test your knowledge on how this condition affects kidney function and overall health.