Final answer:
To manage uric acid stones, the first and most practical step is to increase fluid intake, ideally to ensure the production of 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most practical and first line management for uric acid stones is to increase fluid intake. This encourages the production of more urine, which helps to flush out uric acid and prevents the formation of stones. Ideally, individuals should aim to make 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day. In order to achieve this, they may need to adjust their hydration habits accordingly. This advice is part of broader dietary modifications designed to mitigate risk and manage the condition. Additional steps may include eating a diet low in protein, nitrogen, and sodium, restricting oxalate-rich foods like chocolate and nuts, and maintaining adequate dietary calcium. In some cases, medication such as thiazides or allopurinol might be prescribed.
It is also important for individuals with gout or uric acid stones to avoid food choices that can raise uric acid levels. These include foods with nitrogenous bases or purine-like compounds such as tea, coffee, and chocolate. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is c) Increase fluid intake.