A client with a history of kidney stones is prescribed allopurinol. The nurse should recognize that this medication is primarily used to:

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. This is not entirely accurate. While family history can be a risk factor for kidney stones, there are still preventive measures that individuals can take to reduce their risk.

B. Avoiding all calcium-rich foods and beverages is not recommended for preventing kidney stones. In fact, adequate dietary calcium from food sources is generally beneficial for kidney health and may help reduce the risk of certain types of stones.

C. This is the correct answer. Maintaining a healthy weight and drinking plenty of water are important lifestyle factors that can help reduce the risk of kidney stones. Adequate hydration helps prevent the concentration of minerals in the urine, reducing the likelihood of stone formation.

D. Surgery is not the only treatment option for kidney stones. Depending on the size and type of stone, other treatment options, such as lithotripsy or medication, may be considered.