Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, affects up to 5% of the population, with a lifetime risk of passing a kidney stone of approximately 8 at 10% (Parmar 2004). Consistent with Melmed, Polonsky, Larsen, and Kronenberg (2011) wastes from the blood can form crystals that can accumulate inside the kidneys and aggregate to form stones. Normally, stones are composed of phosphate, oxalate, uric acid, and magnesium ammonium phosphate, alone or in combination. The type of stone is determined by the pathogenic mechanisms. When stones are found in the bladder, ureters, renal tubules, and collecting system, they tend to be symptomatic. When urine is oversaturated with stone constituents, stones form. As they pass through the renal tubules, the crystals aggregate into stones. To allow more time for growth, the crystals anchor to the renal tubular epithelium in the renal papillae and Randall's plaques. The concentration of excreted ions is influenced by diet. Drinking fluids can reduce the formation and growth of stones. A reduction in sodium int...