What it means
An upper urinary tract infectionYUR-ih-nair-ee TRAKT in-FEK-shunAn infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.Full entry . It most often begins in the bladder and travels up the ureters. It is more serious than a bladder infection and can spread to the blood. Pregnancy, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, catheters and diabetes raise the risk.
For the nurse
Give antibiotics on time and encourage fluids unless restricted. Report a falling blood pressure, fast heart rate, confusion or reduced urine, which can mean sepsis. Teach the client to finish the whole course of antibiotics.
At a glance
| Spanish | infección renal |
|---|---|
| Also written | kidney infections |
Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.
pyelonephritis
A bacterial infection of the kidney, usually spread up from the bladder.
nitrofurantoin
An antibiotic taken by mouth that concentrates in the urine, used to treat and prevent bladder infections.