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

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.

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.