PYELONEPHRITIS

Course overview

Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection (UTI) characterized by inflammation of the renal parenchyma and renal pelvis of one or both kidneys. Typically, bacteria ascend to the kidney from the bladder; in severe cases, the kidney becomes enlarged as a result of infection and the body’s inflammatory response to it. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of pyelonephritis, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.