Answer 2 for NRS 455 Describe in detail the pathophysiological stages of kidney stones in a working 45-year-old adult male

The clinical manifestations of kidney stones are usually not seen until the stones move around in the kidneys or start to travel down the ureters. (Mayo Clinic, 2022) Some of kidney stones symptoms are:

• “Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating” (Mayo Clinic, 2022)

The symptoms can present individually or in any combinations.

The complications of kidney stones can be sepsis – an infection that spreads through the blood, causing symptoms throughout the whole body. a blocked ureter – caused by stone fragments; the ureter is the tube that attaches the kidney to the bladder. an injury to the ureter.” (NHS Inform, 2023).

Kidney stones are diagnosed through physical examination, health history, and imaging tests. (National Kidney Foundation, n.d.) “This can be done with a high-resolution CT scan from the kidneys down to the bladder or an x-ray called a “KUB x-ray” (kidney-ureter-bladder x-ray) which will show the size of the stone and its position. The KUB x-ray is often obtained by the surgeons to determine if the stone is suitable for shock wave treatment.” (National Kidney Foundation, n.d.)

The prognosis for kidney stones although painful, can be removed from the body without causing lasting damage. The treatment can be a simple as being asked to increase water intake and to pass the stones naturally or medication. (Mayo Clinic, 2022) If the stones are too big they might be removed with Shock-wave lithotripsy, or surgically removed. (National Kidney Foundation, n.d.) “Shock-wave lithotripsy is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to blast the stones into fragments that are then more easily passed out in the urine. In ureteroscopy, an endoscope is inserted through the ureter to retrieve or obliterate the stone.” (National Kidney Foundation, n.d.)

The role of the nurse is to support the patient psychologically, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The patient may experience fear of the outcome or procedure to remove the stones. With fear there a mix of emotions and empathetic, therapeutic listening and giving of self goes a long way in quieting those fears.

An example integrating concepts from the “Statement of Human Flourishing, “is compassionate care. Praying with the patient and family prior to a procedure if asked or merely observing silence. It is important to meet the patients’ needs non-judgmentally according to how they present’

References

Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Retrieved from Kidney stones: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755

National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from Kidney Stones.

NHS Inform. (2023, Decenber 1). Retrieved from Kidney Stones: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/kidneys-bladder-and-prostate/kidney-stones/#:~:text=Complications%20could%20include%3A,an%20injury%20to%20the%20ureter

Orlando Health. (2021, August 24). Retrieved from Why Men Are More at Risk for Kidney Stones: https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/why-men-are-more-at-risk-for-kidney-stones