Nursing measures for urinary tract stones

Urinary tract stones are a common disease that brings pain and discomfort to patients. During the treatment process, reasonable nursing measures can play an important role in helping patients relieve symptoms and promote recovery. This article will introduce some nursing measures for urinary tract stones, hoping to provide some help for patients.

1. Causes and symptoms of urinary tract stones

1.1 Causes of urinary tract stones

The formation of urinary tract stones is closely related to many factors, mainly including the following aspects: ① Dietary factors: Long-term intake of high-purine, high-oxalate foods, such as meat, seafood, coffee, strong tea, etc., can easily lead to increased concentrations of oxalate, uric acid and other substances in urine, promoting the formation of stones. ② Abnormal fluid excretion: In certain diseases or conditions, the ability to dissolve stone components in urine is weakened, such as chronic urinary tract infection, urine pH imbalance, etc., which will increase the risk of stones. ③ Metabolic disorders: Metabolic diseases including hyperuricemia and hypercalcemia can cause excessive precipitation of related substances in urine and form stones.

1.2 Symptoms of urinary tract stones

The symptoms of urinary tract stones may vary depending on the location, size and individual differences of the stones. Common symptoms include: ① Pain in the waist and abdomen: When the stones move or block the urinary tract, it can cause severe pain in the waist or abdomen, often manifested as cross pain in the waist and abdomen on one or both sides, and the pain can spread downward to the perineum. ② Frequent urination and urgency: Stones irritate the urethra or bladder mucosa, causing patients to have symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency, but the amount of urine may not be much. ③ Hematuria: When stones rub or compress the mucosa in the urinary tract, hematuria can occur in the urine, manifested as red urine or bloodshot urine. ④ Urinary tract infection: Stones block the urinary tract or affect urine excretion, which can easily lead to secondary urinary tract infection, manifested as urinary pain, urgency, frequent urination, etc., and may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and abdominal distension.

2. Care of urinary tract stones

①Diet adjustment

Dietary conditioning is crucial in the care of urinary tract stones. Patients are advised to avoid high-purine and high-oxalate foods, such as meat (especially offal), seafood, coffee, strong tea, etc., because they contain a lot of oxalate and uric acid, which can easily promote stone formation. At the same time, protein intake should be moderately controlled. Excessive protein intake will increase the content of uric acid and oxalate in urine and aggravate the formation of stones. Maintaining adequate water intake is also very important. The daily water intake should be more than 2000-3000 ml. In particular, drinking more water can prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the concentration of stone components in urine. In addition, salt intake should be moderately controlled, the intake of vegetables and fruits should be increased, drinking should be avoided, and the dietary structure should be adjusted in a targeted manner to achieve the best care effect.

②Regular review

Regular follow-up examinations are worthy of attention. Patients are advised to undergo regular urine tests and imaging examinations such as B-ultrasound to monitor changes in the location, size, and number of stones. Urine tests can observe changes in stone composition and urine pH, providing a basis for adjusting treatment plans. Imaging examinations such as B-ultrasound can intuitively display the condition of stones and help doctors assess the development trend of the disease. Through regular follow-up examinations, changes in stones can be discovered in time, treatment plans can be adjusted, and the disease can be avoided from worsening or recurring. Therefore, patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's advice and undergo regular follow-up examinations on time to ensure that the disease is effectively controlled and treated.

③ Reasonable exercise

Appropriate physical exercise can promote urine circulation, improve muscle activity, and facilitate the excretion of stones. Patients are advised to choose moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc., each lasting more than 30 minutes, 3-5 times/week. These exercises can increase the body's metabolic rate, promote urine production and excretion, and reduce the risk of stone formation. At the same time, it is very important for the patient's recovery to avoid strenuous exercise or holding urine for a long time to avoid aggravating urine retention and stone stimulation. Patients should choose the appropriate exercise method and intensity according to their own situation, avoid excessive fatigue or injury, and maintain a healthy state of the body. Comprehensive exercise and diet conditioning can better manage urinary tract stones and promote recovery.

④Maintain personal hygiene

Patients should clean the vulva and perineum regularly, use mild detergents, and avoid over-cleaning or using strong irritating detergents. Wipe properly after using the toilet, wipe from front to back, avoid bringing bacteria into the urethra, and reduce the risk of urinary tract infection. At the same time, avoid holding urine for a long time, urinate in time, keep urine unobstructed, and reduce the time urine stays in the urinary tract. Also keep the underwear clean and dry, choose cotton underwear with good breathability, and avoid using underwear that is too tight or made of synthetic materials. Avoid excessive cleaning of the genitals. Using excessive soap or detergent may destroy the natural microecological balance of the genitals and increase the risk of infection. When using the toilet in a public place, avoid direct contact with the toilet seat, and use toilet paper or toilet pads for protection. In addition, avoid soaking for a long time in public places such as swimming pools to avoid bacterial infection. Through the maintenance of these personal hygiene habits, urinary tract infections and other complications can be effectively prevented, providing a good environment and conditions for the recovery of urinary tract stones.

⑤ Strengthen psychological care

In the treatment of urinary tract stones, in addition to medical care, psychological care is also crucial. Patients may have various emotions in the face of the disease and treatment process, including anxiety, fear, depression, etc. These negative emotions may affect the treatment effect and quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is recommended that patients strengthen self-psychological care during treatment to deal with and relieve these emotions in a timely manner. Patients can enhance their understanding of the disease by actively obtaining relevant information about urinary tract stones. Knowledge about the cause, pathogenesis, common symptoms and treatment methods of the disease can help patients look at the disease more objectively and reduce unnecessary fear and anxiety. Information can be obtained by asking doctors, consulting medical materials or attending relevant health lectures. At the same time, patients should maintain a positive attitude during the treatment process. Although the disease may have a certain degree of impact on life, a positive and optimistic attitude is essential for rehabilitation and treatment effects. Patients can communicate with family and friends, share their feelings and emotions, and seek their support and encouragement. Patients can also relieve anxiety and fear through some self-psychological care methods, such as relaxation training, breathing exercises, music therapy, art therapy, etc., to relax their body and mind, adjust their emotions, and better face the challenges and pressures in the treatment process.

Author: Chen Hua, Danshan Town Central Hospital, Yanjiang District, Ziyang City