A 45-year-old construction worker complained ofexcruciating intermittent pain in the kidney area, radiating acrossthe abdomen and into the genital area. He also had chills, fever,and nausea. He noticed increased frequency of urination andmoderate hematuria. A 24-hour urinalysis findings indicatedcrystalline substances in the sediment identified as calcium innature and a urinary calcium level of 300 mg/day. X-ray findingsindicated localized stones in the renal pelvis. The patient wasencouraged to increase his water intake and slightly decrease hisdietary calcium.
A. What is hematuria?
B. How do stones, or calculi, form?
C. Are stones formed from minerals or compounds otherthan calcium? If so, give examples.
D. List some ways kidney stones are removed.
