A client with a history of kidney stones is prescribed thiazide diuretics. The nurse should recognize that these medications help prevent stone formation by:

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. While increasing fluid intake can help with the passage of small stones, it is not likely to dissolve larger stones. The primary benefit of increased fluid intake is to help prevent the formation of new stones.

B. Drinking more fluids may help alleviate some discomfort, but the primary goal is not pain reduction.

C. This is the correct answer. Adequate fluid intake can help prevent the formation of new kidney stones by diluting the urine and reducing the concentration of minerals that can contribute to stone formation.

D. While adequate fluid intake can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, it is not the primary reason for recommending increased fluid intake in clients with kidney stones.