A client asks the nurse, "What can I do to prevent kidney stones from forming again?" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) does not typically require general anesthesia. It is usually done under sedation or with the use of local anesthesia.

B. The procedure does not involve the insertion of a scope into the urinary tract. ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break up the stone from outside the body.

C. This is the correct answer. ESWL involves the use of high-energy shock waves that are focused on the stone to break it up into smaller fragments. The fragments are then passed out of the body through the urine.

D. A urinary catheter is not typically required after ESWL. The client may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the stone fragments, but a catheter is not usually needed.

Questions

A. Excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables is not a primary cause of kidney stones. Some specific types of fruits and vegetables may contribute to stone formation, but it is not a general cause.

B. While genetic factors and family history can play a role in kidney stone formation, they are not the primary cause. The presence of minerals and salts in the urine is the main contributing factor.

C. An overactive bladder and frequent urination are not direct causes of kidney stone formation. They may be related to other urinary conditions but not to the formation of kidney stones.

D. This is the correct answer. Kidney stones are formed when certain minerals and salts in the urine form solid crystals that can clump together and grow into stones.