Which of the following symptoms is more commonly found in pyelonephritis than in cystitis?
A) Flank pain
B) Nausea and vomiting
C) High fevers
D) Prostration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Symptoms of systemic infection, like high fevers, prostration, and nausea and vomiting, are more common in pyelonephritis (infection of the kidneys) than in cystitis (infection of the urinary bladder). Flank pain is a common symptom of pyelonephritis as well (the kidneys are anatomically located in the flanks). Tenderness to percussion of the flanks (costovertebral angle tenderness) is a common sign that can be elicited on physical assessment of a patient with pyelonephritis. It may also be found in patients with kidney stones and some other conditions, but not in cystitis.

Which of the Following Symptoms Is More Commonly Found in Pyelonephritis