2- What causes kidney stones? - Arash Shadman

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0GpIMNTPYg

Answer: B. A hard mass of crystals formed inside the urinary system

Explanation: Kidney stones are solid masses of crystals that form inside the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

What is a kidney stone?

A. A stone swallowed accidentally
B. A hard mass of crystals formed inside the urinary system
C. A tumor in the kidney
D. A bacterial infection in the bladder

Answer: C

Explanation: About 80% of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, the most common type.

Which compound is the most common component of kidney stones?

A. Uric acid
B. Struvite
C. Calcium oxalate
D. Calcium phosphate

Answer: B. Bacterial infection

Explanation: Struvite stones (magnesium ammonium phosphate) usually form as a result of bacterial infections in the urinary tract.

What causes struvite stones to form?

A. Dehydration
B. Bacterial infection
C. High calcium intake
D. Genetic disorders

Answer: C

Explanation: When a kidney stone moves, it causes severe pain in the back or lower abdomen due to irritation of the urinary tract walls.

Which of the following symptoms is most commonly associated with kidney stones?

A. Chest pain
B. Headache
C. Severe back or abdominal pain
D. Skin rash

Answer: B. Infection or kidney damage

Explanation: A blocked ureter can cause urine to back up, leading to infection or kidney damage.

What can happen if a kidney stone blocks the flow of urine?

A. Faster healing
B. Infection or kidney damage
C. Increased energy
D. Weight loss

Answer: C. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Explanation: ESWL uses focused sound waves to shatter kidney stones into smaller pieces that can pass naturally.

Which treatment uses sound waves to break up kidney stones?

A. Ultrasound therapy
B. Chemotherapy
C. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
D. Radiation therapy

Answer: A. Alpha blockers

Explanation: Alpha blockers (like tamsulosin) relax ureteral muscles, allowing stones to pass more easily.

Which medication helps relax the muscles in the ureter to make it easier for stones to pass?

A. Alpha blockers
B. Antibiotics
C. Painkillers
D. Antacids

Answer: C. Drink plenty of water

Explanation: Staying hydrated dilutes minerals and reduces the chance of crystal formation in the urine.

Which dietary advice helps prevent kidney stones?

A. Drink less water
B. Avoid calcium-rich foods
C. Drink plenty of water
D. Eat more salty snacks

Answer: B. They are high in oxalate

Explanation: These foods are high in oxalate, which can bind with calcium to form kidney stones.

Why might doctors advise limiting foods like spinach, beets, and potato chips?

A. They contain a lot of calcium
B. They are high in oxalate
C. They cause dehydration
D. They increase sodium levels only

Answer: B. It binds oxalate in the digestive tract

Explanation: Dietary calcium binds with oxalate in the intestines, preventing it from reaching the kidneys and forming stones.

How does calcium in food actually help prevent kidney stones?

A. It dissolves stones in the kidney
B. It binds oxalate in the digestive tract
C. It neutralizes uric acid
D. It reduces urine flow

Answer: C. High concentration of minerals or imbalance in urine pH

Explanation: When the urine becomes too concentrated or too acidic/basic, minerals can clump together and crystallize, forming stones.

What is the primary cause of crystal formation in the urine?

A. Drinking too much water
B. Low levels of calcium
C. High concentration of minerals or imbalance in urine pH
D. Lack of vitamin C

Answer: D. Glucose

Explanation: Normal urine contains minerals like calcium, sodium, potassium, etc., but glucose should not be present unless there’s a medical issue like diabetes.

Which of the following compounds is NOT typically found in urine?

A. Calcium
B. Sodium
C. Potassium
D. Glucose

Answer: C. Weeks, months, or even years

Explanation: Kidney stones develop gradually over time, as small crystals slowly grow into larger stones.

How long can it take for kidney stones to form?

A. Only a few hours
B. A few days
C. Weeks, months, or even years
D. They appear suddenly without warning

Answer: B. It causes pain and possibly bleeding

Explanation: As a stone moves, its sharp edges scrape the urinary tract, causing pain and blood in the urine.

What happens when a kidney stone begins to move through the ureter?

A. It dissolves immediately
B. It causes pain and possibly bleeding
C. It improves urine flow
D. It becomes smaller automatically

Answer: B. Nausea and vomiting

Explanation: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation during urination due to irritation of the urinary tract.

Which of the following symptoms may accompany a moving kidney stone?

A. Increased appetite
B. Nausea and vomiting
C. Blurred vision
D. Sneezing

Answer: A. Less than 5 millimeters

Explanation: Stones smaller than 5 mm usually pass out naturally with hydration and pain relief.

At what size will most kidney stones pass naturally without invasive treatment?

A. Less than 5 millimeters
B. Between 5–10 millimeters
C. Between 10–15 millimeters
D. Over 20 millimeters

Answer: B. To expand the ureter and allow urine flow

Explanation: A stent is inserted to keep the ureter open, easing urine flow and helping stones pass or be removed surgically.

What is the function of a ureteral stent in kidney stone treatment?

A. To block the stone in place
B. To expand the ureter and allow urine flow
C. To dissolve the stone chemically
D. To prevent infection

Answer: B. Through surgical incision in the back or groin

Explanation: Large stones may require surgical removal through an incision when other treatments fail.

How are very large stones sometimes removed?

A. By drinking more water only
B. Through surgical incision in the back or groin
C. Through sound wave therapy
D. By taking vitamins

Answer: B. It decreases urine acidity to help dissolve stones

Explanation: Potassium citrate makes urine less acidic, which can help dissolve certain stones like uric acid stones.

Why might potassium citrate be prescribed for kidney stones?

A. It increases acid in urine
B. It decreases urine acidity to help dissolve stones
C. It blocks calcium absorption
D. It acts as an antibiotic

Answer: B. It weighed over one kilogram and was 17 cm wide

Explanation: The largest kidney stone on record weighed over 1 kg and measured 17 cm in diameter — about the size of a coconut.

What was unique about the largest kidney stone ever recorded?

A. It was found in a newborn baby
B. It weighed over one kilogram and was 17 cm wide
C. It was shaped like a heart
D. It formed outside the kidney

Answer: C. It affects how minerals crystallize

Explanation: The pH level of urine (acidic or basic) influences how minerals and salts crystallize, affecting the type and likelihood of stone formation.

How does urine acidity or basicity affect kidney stone formation?

A. It has no effect on stones
B. It changes the color of urine only
C. It affects how minerals crystallize
D. It dissolves the stones completely

Answer: C. It concentrates minerals and promotes crystal formation

Explanation: Dehydration reduces urine volume, making it more concentrated, which increases the risk of crystal formation and stone growth.

What role does dehydration play in kidney stone development?

A. It increases urine volume
B. It dilutes urine
C. It concentrates minerals and promotes crystal formation
D. It prevents calcium buildup

Answer: B. It keeps urine diluted, reducing crystal buildup

Explanation: Drinking plenty of water keeps urine diluted, preventing minerals from clumping together to form kidney stones.

Why is it beneficial to drink plenty of water daily?

A. It lowers blood sugar
B. It keeps urine diluted, reducing crystal buildup
C. It increases appetite
D. It helps calcium absorption

Answer: B. Calcium in food helps prevent stones

Explanation: Calcium in foods binds to oxalate in the intestines before it reaches the kidneys, helping prevent stone formation.

What is the relationship between dietary calcium and kidney stones?

A. More dietary calcium increases risk
B. Calcium in food helps prevent stones
C. Calcium only affects bone strength
D. Calcium and stones are unrelated

Answer: B. They are high in oxalate, which forms crystals with calcium

Explanation: These foods are rich in oxalate, a compound that combines with calcium to form calcium oxalate stones.

Why do doctors sometimes recommend reducing foods like spinach, rhubarb, and beets?

A. They contain too much calcium
B. They are high in oxalate, which forms crystals with calcium
C. They increase potassium levels
D. They cause dehydration

Answer: B. Struvite stone

Explanation: Struvite stones (made of magnesium ammonium phosphate) typically form due to urinary tract infections caused by certain bacteria.

Which type of stone can result from a bacterial infection?

A. Uric acid stone
B. Struvite stone
C. Calcium phosphate stone
D. Cystine stone

Answer: B. The number of cases is rising globally

Explanation: Data shows that kidney stone rates are rising worldwide, likely due to dehydration, dietary habits, and sedentary lifestyles.

Which statement about kidney stone trends is true?

A. Kidney stones are becoming less common
B. The number of cases is rising globally
C. They only occur in tropical climates
D. They mostly affect children

Answer: B. They may lead to kidney infection or damage

Explanation: A blocked ureter can cause urine backflow, leading to infection or permanent kidney damage.

What happens if kidney stones are not treated and cause prolonged blockage?

A. They disappear naturally
B. They may lead to kidney infection or damage
C. They improve urine flow
D. They turn into bladder stones automatically

Answer: B. Cystine stones

Explanation: Cystine stones are rare and often caused by genetic disorders that affect amino acid processing, or by certain medications.

Which of the following stones can be linked to genetic disorders or certain medications?

A. Struvite stones
B. Cystine stones
C. Uric acid stones
D. Calcium phosphate stones

Answer: B. Early detection and treatment prevent extreme growth

Explanation: Modern medical imaging and treatments detect and remove stones long before they reach record-breaking sizes.

Why is it unlikely that the world record for the largest kidney stone will be broken soon?

A. Stones no longer form in humans
B. Early detection and treatment prevent extreme growth
C. Stones can’t grow beyond 5 mm
D. Medical technology makes stones larger