Final answer:
To differentiate cystitis from pyelonephritis, a nurse can consider location of symptoms, infection spread, and severity of symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
To differentiate the symptomatology of cystitis from that of pyelonephritis, a nurse can consider the following:
- Location of symptoms: Cystitis primarily affects the bladder and causes symptoms such as dysuria, pyuria, hematuria, and bladder pain. Pyelonephritis, on the other hand, affects the kidneys and may present with symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, lower back pain, and frequent painful urination.
- Infection spread: Cystitis is commonly caused by a bacterial infection confined to the bladder, while pyelonephritis often develops from a lower urinary tract infection that spreads to the kidneys, affecting the upper urinary tract as well.
- Severity of symptoms: Pyelonephritis is typically more severe and can lead to serious complications such as bacteremia. Cystitis, although uncomfortable, is generally less severe and less likely to become chronic.