Word parts
What it means
Inflammation of kidney tissue. In glomerulonephritisgloh-mair-yoo-loh-neh-FRY-tisInflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units of the kidneys.glomerul/o glomerulusnephr/o kidney-itis inflammationFull entry it affects the glomeruli, the tiny filters of the kidney, often after a strep infection or with an autoimmune disease such as lupus. In interstitial nephritis it affects the tissue around the kidney tubules, usually as a reaction to a drug such as an NSAID, a penicillin or a proton pump inhibitor. Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidney. Nephritis can lower kidney function and let blood and protein leak into the urine.
For the nurse
Monitor blood pressure, daily weight, intake and output, and the urine for blood or protein, and follow the BUN and creatinine. Report less urine or new swelling.
Related terms
nephr/o
A word root that means kidney.
pyelonephritis
A bacterial infection of the kidney, usually spread up from the bladder.
glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units of the kidneys.
nephrotic syndrome
A kidney disorder in which damaged filters let large amounts of protein pass from the blood into the urine.