Renal calculi
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
Renal / Urinary / Electrolytesmedium priorityneeds review
Renal calculi
Also testable as: Kidney stones, Nephrolithiasis, Urolithiasis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Mineral crystals form stones in kidneys or urinary tract; dehydration and metabolic risks can contribute.
- Stone movement causes ureteral spasm, obstruction, hematuria, and severe flank pain.
Medications
No specific medication class was seeded for this card.
Nursing actions
- Assess pain, urine output, hematuria, nausea/vomiting, fever, and single-kidney or obstruction risks.
- Strain urine if ordered and promote fluids when not contraindicated.
- Escalate fever, anuria, uncontrolled pain, or signs of sepsis.
Complications
- Obstruction
- Hydronephrosis
- Pyelonephritis
- Sepsis
NCLEX cues
- Severe colicky flank pain radiating to groin.
- Hematuria.
- Fever with stone is dangerous.
Memory hooks
- Stone plus fever equals infected obstruction until proven otherwise.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Urinalysis
- CT/ultrasound
- Creatinine
- Stone analysis if captured
Review notes
- Supplemental wife-requested study card. Use for NCLEX review only and verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy.