Assignment task: A 36-year-old man is admitted to the emergency department with a sudden onset of severe, intermittent, cramping pain that makes him feel nauseated. He describes the pain as originating in the left groin and radiating toward the flank. Microscopic examination of his urine reveals the presence of RBCs. His temperature is normal, and he does not exhibit signs of sepsis.
Tasks: Please address the following:
Q1. What is the probable cause of this man's pain?
Q2. What diagnostic measure could be used to confirm the cause of his pain?
Q3. A plain film radiograph reveals a 4-to-5-mm kidney stone in the left ureter. What are the chances that this man will pass the stone spontaneously?
Q4. Once the stone has been passed, what type of measures can he use to prevent stone recurrence?