Renal Calculi Case Study

1. Describe the different types of renal calculi, their composition, and their prevalence.
Renal stones (urolithiasis) are masses of crystals, protein or other substances that are a common cause of urinary tract obstruction in adults; they can be located in he kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder” “(McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 1342). Renal stones are one of the most common urinary tract disorders and affects men more than women. They are classified according to the primary minerals that comprise the stones and the four most common types are:
- Calcium Oxalate (80%) or Calcium Phosphate Stones (15%): These are the most common forms. Calcium oxalate are more common and can form by high calcium and high oxalate excretion. Calcium phosphate

5). Females are at a greater risk and eliminating the stone and preventing UTI’s can prevent more struvite stones.
- Uric Acid Stones (7%): “Primarily a product of biosynthesis of endogenous purines and is secondarily affected by consumption of purines (found in animal proteins such as meats and seafood) in the diet” “(McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 1344). If there is excessive uric acid in the urine and consistently acidic urine the risk increases since it can settle and form a stone by itself or along with calcium

The patient may be asked to retrieve the stone as it passes so that it can analyzed by the lab. A 24-hour urine collection after the stone has passed can help to monitor urinary output or identify a mineral abnormality that increase the likelihood to form stones. Modifications in diet and medication may impact the prevention of future episodes. “Depending on the type of stone, changes in the amounts of sodium, animal protein, calcium, and oxalate consumed can also help”("Kidney Stones in Adults," 2013, p. 8). Increasing daily fluid intake is the best way to prevent the formation of most renal