Question

A nurse is planning care for a client who has renal calculi. WHich of the following interventions should the nurse include to promote elimination of the calculi?

A: Maintain bedrest until calculi are expelled.
B: Withhold thiazide diuretics.
C: Encourage intake of at least 3 L of fluid each day.
D: Collect all urine for 24 hr in a collection container

Answer 1

To promote the elimination of renal calculi, encourage the client to drink at least 3 liters of fluid daily, which helps dilute urine and pass stones. Also, collect all urine for analysis, and do not withhold thiazide diuretics unless specifically contraindicated.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse planning care for a client with renal calculi should include interventions that facilitate the elimination of the stones. One key intervention is to encourage the intake of at least 3 liters of fluid each day. Hydration helps to dilute the urine, reducing the concentration of minerals prone to stone formation and promoting the passage of the stones. Additionally, ensuring adequate fluid intake can help prevent the formation of new calculi.

While maintaining bed rest is not generally encouraged because activity can aid in the passage of smaller stones, it is important to collect all urine for 24 hours in a container as this aids in analyzing passed stones or the crystalline content of the urine. This can help to determine the type of stone and the necessary dietary or medication adjustments. Concerning drug therapy, thiazide diuretics are often prescribed to prevent calcium stones, as they can decrease urinary calcium excretion. Therefore, withholding thiazides is not recommended unless there is a specific contraindication for the individual patient.