Final answer:
In the ED, pain management is the priority for a patient with stable cardiopulmonary status presenting with nephrolithiasis, as the pain caused by kidney stones can be severe and debilitating.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient with a recent history of nephrolithiasis presents to the emergency department (ED), and after confirming that the cardiopulmonary status is stable, the nurse should prioritize pain management. This is because kidney stones can cause severe, episodic pain that is usually felt in the flank, lower abdomen, and groin, and can be associated with nausea and vomiting. Depending on the size and location of the kidney stone, treatment options can include administering pain medication until the stone passes, using lithotripsy to fragment the stone, inserting a stent to aid in the passage of both urine and stone, or potentially surgery to remove a large stone. Maintaining adequate hydration through IV fluid administration may also be a priority to facilitate the passage of the stone and to prevent new stones from forming. However, pain relief is a direct way to provide immediate patient comfort and should be addressed promptly. Additionally, an indwelling urinary catheter may not be required unless there is retention of urine or the need for close monitoring of urine output, and aspiration of the stone is not a standard ED procedure and would likely not be performed there.