Word parts
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 that reaches one or both kidneys. It often causes fever and chills, pain in the flank (side of the back), nausea and vomiting, sometimes with the burning and urgency of a bladder infection. It needs prompt antibiotics, as it can spread to the blood. Pregnancy, urinary blockages and catheters raise the risk.
For the nurse
Encourage fluids unless restricted, give antibiotics on time and teach the client to finish the full course. Watch for signs of sepsis such as a fast heart rate, low blood pressure and confusion.
At a glance
| Spanish | pielonefritis |
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Related terms
urinary tract infection
An infection anywhere in the urinary tract: the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
renal
Relating to the kidneys.