Diverticular Disease

Question 1

What is Diverticulosis?

Answer 1

Multiple, noninflamed diverticula

Question 2

What is Diverticulitis?

Answer 2

Inflammation and infection of bowel caused by bacteria, food, or fecal matter in one or more diverticula

Question 3

What is the main factors of Diverticulosis?

Answer 3

Constipation and lack of dietary fiber

Question 4

How do you tell you patients the difference between Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis?

Answer 4

Diverticulosis is not inflamed and not everyone that has this will have it develop to Diverticulitis

Question 5

S/S of Diverticulitis

Answer 5

1. Acute onset of abdominal pain LLQ
2. N/V
3. Distention
4. Fever
5. Chills
6. Tachycardia

Question 6

Elderly S/S of Diverticulitis

Answer 6

1. Afebrile
2. Normal WBC
3. Possible abdominal tenderness

Question 7

Education for Diverticulitis

Answer 7

1. Clear liquid diet until S/S subside
2. Progress to low-fiver diet once solid foods are okay
3. Avoid seeds or ingestible material (nuts, popcorn, seeds)
4. Avoid foods or drinks that can irritate bowel (alcohol and soda)

Question 8

Care for Severe manifestations of Diverticulitis

Answer 8

(severe pain and high fever)

1. NPO
2. NGT
3. IV fluids
4. Antibiotics
5. Opioids for pain