Diverticulosis vs. Diverticulitis

Question 1

Asymptomatic multiple out-pouching of the intestinal diverticula and mucosa without inflammation

Common site: sigmoid colon

Answer 1

Diverticulosis

Question 2

Symptomatic multiple out-pouching of the intestinal mucosa with inflammation

Causes retention of hardened stools

20% of patients with diverticulosis results to diverticulitis

Answer 2

Diverticulitis

Question 3

Pre-disposing factors/Risk factors

Answer 3

1. Low fiber diet
2. Increased refined carbohydrate diet
3. Obesity
4. Recurrent smoking
5. Regular use of NSAIDs
6. Family Hx

Question 4

Clinical Manifestations

Answer 4

1. Acute onset of crampy abd pain (LLQ)
2. Abd distention
3. Low grade fever
4. Chronic constipation with intervals of diarrhea
5. Occult bleeding
6. N/V
7. Leukocytosis

Question 5

Complications

Answer 5

1. Bowel obstruction
2. Hemorrhage
3. Shock
4. Bowel perforation and Peritonitis

Question 6

Diagnostic Tests

Answer 6

1. Barium enema and Colonoscopy
2. CBC
3. Urinalysis
4. CT Scan
5. Abd x-ray

Question 7

Nursing Interventions

Answer 7

1. High fiber diet (soft)
2. Increase OFI
3. Administer bulk laxatives and anticholinergics
4. Encourage pt to lose weight and avoid activities that increases intra-abdominal pressure

Question 8

Surgical intervention

Answer 8

Colon resection with temporary colostomy