Introduction
- Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually caused by a urinary tract infection that has spread to the kidneys.
- The nursing diagnosis is essential to identify the patient’s needs and to develop a comprehensive care plan.
Background Information
- Pyelonephritis is a serious condition that can cause permanent kidney damage and sepsis.
- The most common cause of pyelonephritis is the bacterium Escherichia coli, which is found in the digestive system and can enter the urinary tract.
- Symptoms of pyelonephritis include fever, chills, back pain, and frequent urination.
- Diagnostic tests and procedures for pyelonephritis include urinalysis, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Nursing Diagnosis for Pyelonephritis
- Nursing diagnosis is a process used to identify the patient’s health problems, prioritize them, and develop a plan of care.
- Accurate nursing diagnosis for pyelonephritis patients is crucial to ensure appropriate care.
- The following are the most common nursing diagnoses for pyelonephritis patients:
Ineffective Protection
- Patients with pyelonephritis are vulnerable to infection and require protection from environmental and internal stressors.
- Interventions for ineffective protection include:
- Hand hygiene education
- Encourage fluid intake
- Encourage rest and limit activity
Acute Pain
- Patients with pyelonephritis may experience severe pain in the flank or lower back area.
- Interventions for acute pain include:
- Administer pain medication as ordered
- Apply heat or cold therapy
- Teach relaxation techniques
Risk for Infection
- Patients with pyelonephritis are at risk of developing sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication.
- Interventions for risk of infection include:
- Monitor vital signs
- Administer antibiotics as ordered
- Provide wound care as needed
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
- Patients with pyelonephritis may have a decreased appetite, leading to inadequate nutritional intake.
- Interventions for imbalanced nutrition include:
- Monitor and record patient’s weight and nutritional intake
- Encourage small, frequent meals
- Provide nutritional supplements as needed
Risk for Urinary Incontinence
- Patients with pyelonephritis may experience urinary incontinence due to increased urinary urgency and frequency.
- Interventions for risk of urinary incontinence include:
- Encourage regular toileting
- Provide assistance with toileting as needed
- Offer incontinence products as needed
Nursing Interventions for Pyelonephritis Patients
- Nursing interventions are actions taken by nurses to achieve the desired patient outcomes.
- The following are nursing interventions for pyelonephritis patients:
Ineffective Protection
- Hand hygiene education to reduce the risk of infection
- Encourage fluid intake to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of dehydration
- Encourage rest and limit activity to conserve energy and reduce the risk of complications
Acute Pain
- Administer pain medication as ordered to relieve pain
- Apply heat or cold therapy to alleviate discomfort
- Teach relaxation techniques to reduce tension and promote relaxation
Risk for Infection
- Monitor vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, to detect signs of infection
- Administer antibiotics as ordered to treat the infection
- Provide wound care as needed to prevent infection
Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
- Monitor and record patient’s weight and nutritional intake to identify the patient’s nutritional status
- Encourage small, frequent meals to help maintain adequate nutritional intake
- Provide nutritional supplements as needed to address any nutritional deficiencies
Risk for Urinary Incontinence
- Encourage regular toileting to promote normal bladder function
- Provide assistance with toileting as needed to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of falls
- Offer incontinence products as needed to maintain patient comfort and dignity
Conclusion
- Nursing diagnosis is crucial to provide individualized care to patients with pyelonephritis and prevent complications.
- It is essential to develop a comprehensive care plan that includes appropriate nursing interventions and ongoing assessment and evaluation.
- By following these guidelines, nurses can provide effective care to pyelonephritis patients and improve their outcomes.
