Clients with cystine nephrolithiasis should maintain which type of ash diet?

Clients with cystine nephrolithiasis should maintain an alkaline ash diet. This diet is beneficial because cystine stones form in a more acidic environment; therefore, by creating a more alkaline urine, the solubility of cystine in urine is increased.

An alkaline ash diet typically includes foods that are high in fruits and vegetables, which help to raise the urinary pH. This dietary approach can help prevent the formation of stones by reducing cystine concentration in the urine. Other aspects of management may include increased hydration and potentially medication to support this dietary approach.

While an acidic, neutral, or fatty diet does not provide the necessary conditions to prevent cystine stone formation, the alkaline diet directly addresses the metabolic conditions that contribute to the formation of these types of stones, making it the ideal choice for clients with cystine nephrolithiasis.