Which laboratory finding supports a diagnosis of pyelonephritis?

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Multiple Choice

Which laboratory finding supports a diagnosis of pyelonephritis?

Explanation:
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that triggers inflammation in the urinary tract, so white blood cells accumulate in the urine. This appearance of leukocytes in the urine, or pyuria, is a classic sign of urinary tract infection and supports the diagnosis when seen alongside other findings like bacteriuria. Myoglobinuria would point to muscle breakdown, not kidney infection; ketonuria indicates ketosis or diabetes-related metabolic stress; a low white blood cell count would argue against an infectious process. Therefore, the presence of white blood cells in the urine best supports pyelonephritis.

Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that triggers inflammation in the urinary tract, so white blood cells accumulate in the urine. This appearance of leukocytes in the urine, or pyuria, is a classic sign of urinary tract infection and supports the diagnosis when seen alongside other findings like bacteriuria. Myoglobinuria would point to muscle breakdown, not kidney infection; ketonuria indicates ketosis or diabetes-related metabolic stress; a low white blood cell count would argue against an infectious process. Therefore, the presence of white blood cells in the urine best supports pyelonephritis.

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