The nurse would contact the health care provider with concerns that this patient is demonstrating which complication of urinary calculi?

Question

1. Hydronephrosis
2. Infection
3. Renal colic
4. Ureteral tumor

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Hydronephrosis is swelling of the kidney caused by retention of urine, usually because of an obstruction or blockage. It typically manifests with colicky pain on the affected side that may radiate to the groin. When significant, a palpable mass may be felt in the flank region. Hematuria and signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) such as fever and pyuria may occur. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
Rationale 2: Infection would not result in a palpable mass in the LUQ.
Rationale 3: Renal colic is the term for the pain associated with ureteral spasm caused by a stone obstructing the ureter.
Rationale 4: Ureteral tumors manifest as painless hematuria; they may cause colicky pain from obstruction but typically have few outward signs until urine flow is obstructed.