What it means
Also called a renal calculus; having stones is nephrolithiasis. Most are made of calcium oxalate. Small stones may pass in the urine; a stone that moves into a ureter can cause severe pain in the side or back that spreads toward the groin, with blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting. Low fluid intake raises the risk.
For the nurse
Strain all urine to catch the stone for testing, encourage fluids as allowed, and give pain medicine as ordered. Teach drinking enough water to keep urine pale.
At a glance
| Spanish | cálculo renal |
|---|---|
| Also written | kidney stones, kidney-stones |