Diverticulitis

Nursing diagnosis

abdominal and joint pain (in left lower abdomen, auscultate bowel sounds- hyperactive) risk for deficient fluid volume ( fluid loss from diarrhea, provide oral hygiene)

complications

abscess formation-tenderness, palpable mass bleeding-rectal bleeding peritonitis

most common diagnostic that allows visibility of the disease

colonoscopy

when does diverticulitis occur?

diverticulum becomes inflamed. causes perforation and problems such as: obstruction abscess fistula (in abdomen) hemorrhage

Pathophysiology

herniate through muscular wall due to low volume in colon (fiber deficient)

ESR means signs of?

inflammation

what kind of diet is used if you need to relax the bowel?

low fiber diet

Risk factors

low intake of dietary fiber obesity h/o smoking regular use of NSAIDS

when can treatment be done at home with liquid diet, and antispasmodic agent such as daricon?

mild cases

Clinical Manifestations

patients will report pain in the lower LEFT quadrant of abdomen constipation nausea Leukocytosis

fistula may form from a?

recurrent episode

signs and symptoms

rigid board-like abdomen loss of bowel sounds chronic constipation bowel irregularity with intervals of diarrhea, nausea, and anorexia.

what to look for when palpating the abdomen

rigidity, lumps, and masses

Diverticulum

saclike herniation of the lining of the bowel that extend through a defect in the muscle layer. Most commonly in the sigmoid

Unasyn and timentin are used for

sever cases

A client is being treated for diverticulosis. Which information should the nurse include in this clients teaching plan? Avoid daily exercise; indulge only in mild activity. Drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of fluid everyday. Use laxatives or enemas at least once a week. Avoid unprocessed bran in the diet.

Correct response: B The nurse should instruct a client with diverticulosis to drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of fluid every day. The client should include unprocessed bran in the diet because it adds bulk, and should avoid the use of laxatives or enemas except when recommended by the physician. In addition, regular exercise should be encouraged if the client's current lifestyle is somewhat inactive.

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has diverticulitis about preventing acute attacks. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend? Foods low in fat. Foods high in fiber. Foods low in calories. Foods high in vitamin C.

The correct answer is B. The result of long term, low-fiber eating habits along with increased intracolonic pressure leads to straining during bowel movements, causing the development of diverticula. High fiber foods help strengthen and maintain active motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for an older adult client who has mild diverticulitis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? I will remain active by working in my garden every day. I will use a mild laxative every day. I may experience right lower quadrant pain. I should eat foods that are low in fiber.

The correct answer is D. The nurse should instruct the client who has diverticulitis to follow a low-fiber diet. When the inflammation subsides, the client should consume foods that are high in fiber.