Question

Peter, a forty-three year old office worker, was struck with a very sudden and intense pain in his side and lower back. He was breathing deeply, and the pain began to recede. Eight minutes later, the pain was not as severe but Peter was still uncomfortable and called his physician. One of Peters’s colleagues drove Peter to the doctor’s office. While on the way to his appointment, Peter experienced another bout of severe pain and began to feel nauseous. The pain seemed to be spreading into his lower abdomen and groin. After asking Peter a few questions about his symptoms, the doctor requested an abdominal x-ray, several blood tests, and urinalysis. As Peter supplied the urine sample he was disturbed to notice that the urine had a pinkish cast. The physician returned and informed Peter that he had a kidney stone which, based on its size, should pass on its own within a day or so. The doctor told Peter that he should rest at home until the stone passed, drink at least 2-3 quarts of water each day, and strain his urine in order to retrieve the stone for analysis. The doctor also gave Peter a prescription for pain medication. Peter passed the stone the following morning and brought it to the doctor’s office. Analysis of the stone’s composition revealed that it was a calcium stone. Peter’s blood and urine tests had also shown high calcium levels. Based on this, the doctor told Peter to eat fewer foods containing calcium or oxalate and provided Peter with a list of foods to limit. He also told Peter to continue to drink at least two quarts of water each day.

Answer 1

Answer: Peter experienced sudden and intense pain in his side and lower back, which later spread to his lower abdomen and groin. He also felt nauseous and noticed that his urine had a pinkish color. These symptoms, along with the high calcium levels in his blood and urine, led his doctor to diagnose him with a kidney stone.

The doctor advised Peter to rest at home until the stone passed, drink 2-3 quarts of water each day, and strain his urine to retrieve the stone for analysis. Additionally, the doctor prescribed pain medication to help manage Peter's discomfort.

The next morning, Peter passed the kidney stone and brought it to the doctor's office. Analysis of the stone revealed that it was a calcium stone, which matched the high calcium levels found in Peter's blood and urine.

Based on this information, the doctor advised Peter to limit his intake of foods containing calcium or oxalate. This is because calcium and oxalate are substances that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. By reducing the consumption of these foods, Peter can lower his risk of developing more kidney stones in the future.

The doctor also emphasized the importance of continuing to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Staying well-hydrated helps prevent the formation of kidney stones by diluting the substances that can crystallize and form stones in the urinary tract.

In summary, Peter's sudden and intense pain was caused by a kidney stone. By following his doctor's advice to rest, drink plenty of water, strain his urine, and limit certain foods, Peter successfully passed the stone and took steps to prevent future stone formation.

Step-by-step explanation: