Question

What can patients at risk for renal lithiasis do to prevent the stones in many cases?

a. Lead an active lifestyle
b. Limit protein and acidic foods in the diet
c. Drink enough fluids to produce dilute urine
d. Take prophylactic antibiotics to control UTIs

Answer 1

Patients at risk for renal lithiasis should drink ample fluids, restrict high-protein and acidic foods, maintain a balanced diet, and possibly take specific medications under medical guidance to prevent kidney stones.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent renal lithiasis (kidney stones), patients at risk can take several important steps. First, they should ensure adequate fluid intake to achieve 2 to 2.5 liters of urine output per day, reducing the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine. Next, adopting dietary modifications like restricting high-protein and acidic foods and limiting intake of oxalate-rich foods can be beneficial. Incorporating a diet low in sodium and maintaining a balanced calcium intake are also key. While leading an active lifestyle and losing weight if overweight can help, there is no direct evidence supporting the use of prophylactic antibiotics for kidney stone prevention unless a patient has recurrent urinary tract infections that contribute to stone formation. Finally, in some cases, taking medications such as thiazides, potassium citrate, or allopurinol, under medical guidance, can help prevent the formation of stones.