Which intervention is important for a patient with renal calculi?

Encouraging increased fluid intake is a crucial intervention for a patient with renal calculi, or kidney stones. The rationale behind this approach is that higher fluid consumption helps to dilute the urine and increase urine output. This can assist in flushing out smaller stones and preventing the formation of new ones.

Staying well-hydrated diminishes the concentration of mineral salts in the urine, which are responsible for stone formation. Additionally, adequate hydration can relieve symptoms by reducing the saturation of substances that form stones and promoting healthier kidney function. Encouraging patients to drink more fluids, especially water, is therefore fundamental in managing renal calculi and preventing recurrent episodes.

The other options, while important in different medical contexts, do not specifically address the direct management of renal calculi. For instance, monitoring oxygen saturation is vital for patients with respiratory issues but not directly related to kidney stones. Similarly, administering corticosteroids is not relevant to the treatment of renal calculi, nor are breathing techniques, which are more applicable to respiratory conditions or anxiety management.