Which statement about pyelonephritis is FALSE?

The statement about pyelonephritis being associated with abnormal vaginal discharge on pelvic exam is misleading and can be considered inaccurate because pyelonephritis primarily affects the kidneys and urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as flank pain, fever, and dysuria. While additional infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can present with abnormal vaginal discharge, this is not a typical symptom associated with pyelonephritis itself.

Recognizing the context of the other statements further clarifies why they are accurate in relation to pyelonephritis. For instance, symptoms persisting for more than five days reflects the chronicity often observed with pyelonephritis and the body’s ongoing immune response. The presence of white blood cell casts in the urine signifies that there is an infection involving the renal parenchyma, supporting the diagnosis of pyelonephritis. Additionally, the statement regarding diabetic patients is accurate because they face a heightened risk of urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis, due to potential complications such as impaired immune response and possible neuropathy affecting bladder function.

Thus, the focus on abnormal vaginal discharge does not align with the typical presentation or diagnostic criteria for pyelonephritis.