Overview
Introduction
A kidney stone is a solid crystal mass that forms when urine contains more stone forming material than it can keep dissolved.
A kidney stone is a solid crystal mass that forms when urine contains more stone-forming material than it can keep dissolved. A stone may remain quietly in the kidney, but movement into the ureter can obstruct urine flow and produce sudden, wave-like flank pain. The immediate nursing question is not simply, “How severe is the pain?” It is, “Is this uncomplicated colic, or is obstruction threatening the kidney or occurring with infection?” Most uncomplicated stones can be managed with analgesia, hydration appropriate to the patient’s condition, observation, and follow-up. Fever, systemic illness, anuria, acute kidney injury, or uncontrolled symptoms change the priority from comfort and passage to urgent evaluation and possible drainage.