Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Which of the following is a symptom of nephrolithiasis?

1. Chest pain

2. Dehydration

3. Back pain

4. Blurred vision

The correct answer is: Back pain

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, often presents with a variety of symptoms due to the stone's presence and potential movement within the urinary tract. Back pain is a hallmark symptom when discussing nephrolithiasis, primarily because kidney stones can cause significant discomfort in the lower back or flank area. This pain typically results from the irritation of the ureter as the kidney stone tries to pass through, creating a sharp and intense sensation. While chest pain, dehydration, and blurred vision may occur in different medical contexts, they are not typically recognized as direct symptoms of nephrolithiasis. Chest pain could indicate numerous other conditions unrelated to kidney stones, dehydration may result from various factors, but it is not a direct symptom of the condition itself, and blurred vision is not associated with nephrolithiasis at all. Therefore, recognizing back pain as a key symptom is crucial for effectively diagnosing and managing nephrolithiasis.