Under what urinary pH condition do Uric Acid kidney stones preferentially precipitate?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Persistently acidic urine
- Step 1: Uric acid has a pKa of 5.5. At low pH, it exists predominantly in the insoluble undissociated uric acid form. Step 2. When urinary pH drops below 5.5, solubility falls sharply, promoting uric acid crystallization and stone formation. Answer: Persistently acidic urine (pH < 5.5). Why not the others: Alkaline urine increases urate solubility and prevents uric acid stones; neutral urine keeps urate dissolved; buffered urine maintains solubility.
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