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. Thiazide diuretics do not directly increase the excretion of uric acid. They are primarily used to reduce calcium excretion and prevent the formation of calcium-based stones.

B. This is the correct answer. Thiazide diuretics help reduce the excretion of calcium in the urine, which can be beneficial in preventing the formation of certain types of kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones.

C. Thiazide diuretics do not directly increase the pH of the urine. They primarily reduce calcium excretion.

D. Thiazide diuretics do not dissolve existing kidney stones. They are used to prevent stone formation, not to treat existing stones.

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.