Question

The nurse is giving discharge instructions to a client with renal calculi. How can the client prevent them?

a) Increase dietary calcium intake
b) Reduce fluid intake
c) Limit sodium intake
d) Avoid citrus fruits

Answer 1

To prevent renal calculi, the client should drink enough water, follow a low-protein, low-sodium diet, and avoid excessive oxalate-rich foods.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent renal calculi, the client should follow these strategies:

1. Drink enough water: The client should aim to drink 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day to ensure an adequate urine production and avoid dehydration.
2. Follow a low-protein, low-sodium diet: The client should limit their intake of protein and sodium to reduce the excretory load on the kidneys.
3. Avoid excessive oxalate-rich foods: Foods such as chocolate, nuts, soybeans, rhubarb, and spinach should be restricted, while maintaining a sufficient intake of dietary calcium.

It is important to note that taking drugs such as thiazides, potassium citrate, magnesium citrate, and allopurinol may be necessary based on the cause of stone formation.