A client with a history of renal calculus is prescribed potassium citrate. Which of the following is the primary purpose of this medication?

A. Smoking cessation is important for overall health, but it is not a primary lifestyle factor related to kidney stone formation.

B. Increased alcohol consumption is not recommended as a preventive measure for kidney stones. In fact, excessive alcohol intake can lead to dehydration, which is a risk factor for stone formation.

C. Regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health, but it is not a primary lifestyle factor related to kidney stone formation.

D. This is the correct answer. A high sodium diet can increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, leading to a higher risk of calcium-based kidney stones. Reducing sodium intake can help prevent stone formation.

A. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is typically used for smaller stones that can be broken up into smaller fragments and passed more easily. It is not usually recommended for large stones.

B. This is the correct answer. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a procedure used to remove larger kidney stones. It involves making a small incision in the back and inserting a nephroscope to directly visualize and remove the stone.

C. Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is used for stones in the ureter, not in the kidney itself.

D. Cystoscopy with stent placement is used for conditions involving the lower urinary tract, such as the urethra and bladder, and is not typically used to remove kidney stones.