American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

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What does pyelonephritis refer to?

  1. Obstruction of the urinary bladder

  2. Inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney

  3. Formation of kidney stones

  4. Swelling of the gallbladder

The correct answer is: Inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney

Pyelonephritis specifically refers to the inflammation of the renal pelvis and the kidney itself, which is typically caused by a bacterial infection. This condition often arises when bacteria from the lower urinary tract ascend to the kidneys. The renal pelvis is the part of the kidney that collects urine before it moves to the bladder, and inflammation in this area can lead to symptoms such as flank pain, fever, and dysuria. Understanding this definition is crucial in clinical settings since pyelonephritis can lead to more severe complications if left untreated, including kidney damage or sepsis. The other options describe different conditions unrelated to pyelonephritis: obstruction of the urinary bladder pertains to blockages affecting urine flow, formation of kidney stones involves crystallization of substances in the urine, and swelling of the gallbladder relates to issues with the biliary system, none of which impact the renal pelvis or kidney directly as pyelonephritis does.

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