The nurse is assessing a client with suspected renal calculi.
Which of the following findings would support a diagnosis of renal calculi? Select all that apply.
The nurse is assessing a client with suspected renal calculi.
Which of the following findings would support a diagnosis of renal calculi? Select all that apply.
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Adult Health
Lesson
Urinary/Renal/Fluid and Electrolytes
Client Need
Test Plan
Physiological Adaptation
Related Topic
Alterations in Body Systems
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choices A, B, D, and E are correct. A diagnosis of renal calculi (kidney stones) describes the presence of uric acid, calcium, cystine, or struvite crystals in the urine that form painful stones within the urinary tract. Typical signs/symptoms of renal calculi include hematuria (blood in urine), renal colic (unilateral pain spasms in the flank), and severe radiating pain, which can cause nausea/vomiting, sweating, and elevated blood pressure. Additionally, clients may experience dysuria and increased urinary frequency.
Choice C is incorrect. Hypotension would not be an expected symptom of renal calculi. The client would likely experience increased blood pressure due to severe pain.
Additional Info
✓ Urolithiasis is the presence of calculi (stones) in the urinary tract.
✓ Stones often do not cause symptoms until they pass into the lower urinary tract, where they can cause excruciating pain.
✓ Nephrolithiasis is the formation of stones in the kidney; the formation of stones in the ureter is ureterolithiasis.
✓ The most common condition associated with stone formation is dehydration.
✓ The priority treatment is pain control by administering prescribed anti-inflammatories such as ketorolac or naproxen.
✓ Depending on the size of the stone, surgical intervention may be necessary via cystoscopy or lithotripsy.
