A client comes to the emergency room complaining of sudden, excruciating pain in the lower back and side. The nurse suspects renal calculus. Which term best describes this type of pain?

A. Calcium oxalate stones may cause pain, but they do not typically radiate to the groin. They are more likely to cause localized pain in the back or side.

B. This is the correct answer. Uric acid stones can cause sudden and severe pain that radiates from the back to the groin. The pain is often described as colicky and is associated with restlessness.

C. Struvite stones are typically associated with urinary tract infections and may not cause the sudden and severe pain described in the question.

D. Cystine stones are rare and are more likely to cause chronic, dull pain rather than sudden and severe pain.

A. This is the correct answer. Kidney stone pain is often described as colicky, which means it comes and goes in waves of severe pain. The pain can be intense and cramp-like, causing the client to writhe or be restless.

B. Gnawing pain is not typically associated with kidney stones. Gnawing pain is often described as a persistent, dull ache that can be more chronic in nature.

C. Stabbing pain is sharp and localized and is not typically used to describe kidney stone pain.

D. Numbing pain refers to a loss of sensation, which is not characteristic of kidney stone pain.