Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification (CNN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Nephrology Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

Cystitis is characterized as an infection of the lower urinary tract. This condition primarily affects the bladder, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and pelvic pain. The underlying issue is typically due to bacterial invasion which irritates the bladder lining. Understanding this definition helps in recognizing that cystitis falls within the broader category of urinary tract infections (UTIs), specifically those concerning the lower part of the urinary system.

In contrast, an infection of the upper urinary tract, which includes the kidneys and ureters, is typically referred to as pyelonephritis. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the kidneys involve different conditions, such as chronic glomerulonephritis, which specifically affect kidney function and structure over time. Genetic disorders affecting kidney function, like polycystic kidney disease, involve inherited factors causing structural abnormalities in the kidneys, thus differentiating them from the acute infection process that characterizes cystitis.