A student nurse compares the symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) with nephrolithiasis. Which symptoms should the student nurse identify as likely to be observed in a patient with AGN rather than nephrolithiasis? Select all that apply.

Question

Patient writhing in pain
Cola-colored urine
Ureteral colic pain
Costovertebral angle tenderness
Sudden edema and hematuria

Answer 1

In distinguishing between acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) and nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), the following symptoms should be identified as likely observed in a patient with AGN rather than nephrolithiasis:

1. Cola-colored urine - This is a classic symptom of AGN due to the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) and the breakdown of red blood cells.

2. Sudden edema and hematuria - AGN is often associated with sudden onset edema (swelling) and hematuria (blood in urine), particularly after an infection or other triggers.

3. Costovertebral angle tenderness - While it can be seen in both conditions, it may more strongly correlate with AGN due to inflammation of the kidneys.

The symptoms that are typically associated with nephrolithiasis include:

• Patient writhing in pain - This is usually indicative of renal colic resulting from kidney stones.
• Ureteral colic pain - This is also characteristic of nephrolithiasis and involves severe pain that radiates from the back or side to the lower abdomen and groin.

Therefore, the symptoms that are more closely aligned with acute glomerulonephritis are cola-colored urine, costovertebral angle tenderness, and sudden edema and hematuria.