Chapter 15, Problem 15.26A

Solid particles that form in the kidney are called kidney stones and frequently cause acute pain. One common type of kidney stone is formed from a precipitation reaction of calcium and oxalate:
$C{a}^{2+}(aq)+C_2{O}_4{}^{2-}(aq)\rightleftharpoons Ca{C}_2{O}_4(s)$
Use Le Chatelier’s principle to explain the following statements.

1. A person taking diuretics, medicines that help kidneys remove fluids, may be atincreased risk for developing kidney stones.
2. A person diagnosed with hypercalciuria, a genetic condition causing elevated levels of calcium in the urine, has an increased risk for developing kidney stones.
3. One simple treatment for kidney stones is to avoid foods high in oxalate such as spinach, rhubarb, and nuts.
4. Another simple treatment for kidney stones is to increase consumption of water.