After lithotripsy, which finding should prompt reporting to the physician due to possible infection?

• A. Bright pink urine
• B. Fine sand-like particles in urine
• C. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• D. No urine output

Answer: (C)

After lithotripsy, the urinary system is healing and blood in the urine and debris from stone fragments can be expected. But signs pointing to an infection are different and require quick attention: urine that is cloudy or has a foul odor signals the presence of bacteria and pus in the urinary tract. This is a red flag because a post-procedure infection can spread and become serious if not treated promptly. So reporting cloudy or foul-smelling urine allows the clinician to evaluate for a urinary tract infection, confirm with tests, and start appropriate therapy to prevent complications. Other findings, like bright pink urine, can be a normal residual result of the procedure, and fine sand-like particles are typically stone debris; a lack of urine output is a critical emergency but doesn’t specifically indicate infection.