For a client with renal calculi, what is the priority nursing goal?

In the context of a client with renal calculi, managing pain is a critical priority nursing goal. Renal calculi, or kidney stones, can cause severe pain, often described as one of the most intense forms of discomfort due to the stone's movement within the urinary tract, triggering muscle spasms and obstruction.

Addressing pain effectively is essential because it not only improves the client's comfort but also can facilitate the overall assessment of the client's condition. Uncontrolled pain may hinder a patient’s ability to participate in necessary assessments or procedures, potentially complicating their care. Additionally, alleviating pain can help reduce anxiety and increase the client's overall sense of well-being, leading to better cooperation in treatment plans.

While maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs), and controlling nausea are also important considerations in the overall management of renal calculi, they come secondary to the necessity of first addressing the acute pain. Once the pain is managed, nurses can then focus on other interventions related to the client’s condition and recovery.