Pathophysiology
This term describes pain caused by ureteral obstruction from a stone
What is ureteric colic?
This classic pain radiates from flank toward groin in renal colic
What is flank pain radiating to groin?
First-line imaging modality in nonpregnant adults with suspected stones
What is non-contrast CT?
First-line analgesic class for renal colic
What are NSAIDs?
This lifestyle measure aims for 2–3 litres fluid per day
What is increased hydration?
Major urinary inhibitor of calcium crystallisation decreased in stone-former
What is citrate?
Presence of this systemic sign alongside colicky pain suggests complicated stone needing urgent action
What is fever?
This bedside imaging is safe in pregnancy but operator-dependent for stones
What is ultrasound?
This medication facilitates distal stone passage
What is tamsulosin?
Reducing this dietary component lowers urinary calcium excretion
What is sodium?
In primary hyperparathyroidism with stones, this pathophysiologic driver is elevated
What is hypercalciuria?
In a postoperative patient with flank pain and hypotension, this response helps differentiate hypovolemia from obstruction or bleeding
What is response to fluid challenge?
In suspected renal colic with raised creatinine, this imaging modality is avoided due to risk of nephrotoxicity
What is CT with contrast?
In acute renal colic, this initial investigation helps rule out infection and guides safe analgesia and further imaging
What is a urine dipstick?
This diuretic reduces urinary calcium and prevents recurrence in hypertensive stone-formers
What is thiazide?
In post-bariatric patients, fat malabsorption increases urinary excretion of this substance, raising calcium stone risk
What is oxalate?
Renal transplant recipient may not have typical flank pain; look for this alternative sign of obstruction
What is decreased urine output?
For large staghorn calculus, use this CT-based measure of burden to plan intervention
What is stone volume?
Patient with obstructing infected stone must have this action before surgery
What is urgent decompression?
Reducing this dietary component helps reduce urine acidity and lower uric acid stone risk
What is animal protein?
This genetic defect in SLC3A1 causes recurrent cystine stones
What is cystinuria?
Diabetic with neuropathy may report this subtle autonomic symptom despite minimal pain
What is unexplained nausea?
In a patient with suspected renal colic and no red flags, this imaging test is recommended over ultrasound as first-line in most adults
What is a non-contrast CT KUB?
A patient with renal colic develops fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and confusion. These findings indicate this life-threatening complication requiring urgent antibiotics and urology input
What is urosepsis?
To prevent calcium oxalate stones, patients are advised to reduce oxalate-rich foods but still include this in their diet
What is calcium?