GI Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis

Question 1

The client diagnosed with diverticulitis is complaining of severe pain in the left lower quadrant and has an oral temperature of 100.6°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

1. Notify the health-care provider.
2. Document the findings in the chart.
3. Administer an oral antipyretic.
4. Assess the client’s abdomen.

Answer 1

4. Assess the client’s abdomen.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching the client diagnosed with diverticulosis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching session?

1. Discuss the importance of drinking 1,000 mL
   of water daily.
2. Instruct the client to exercise at least three
   (3) times a week.
3. Teach the client about eating a low-residue diet.
4. Explain the need to have daily bowel
   movements.

Answer 2

4. Explain the need to have daily bowel
   movements.

Question 3

The client is admitted to the medical unit with
a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. Which health- care provider’s order should the nurse question?

1. Insert a nasogastric tube.
2. Start an IV with D5W at 125 mL/hr.
3. Put the client on a clear liquid diet.
4. Place the client on bedrest with bathroom
   privileges.

Answer 3

3. Put the client on a clear liquid diet.

Question 4

The nurse is discussing the therapeutic diet for the client diagnosed with diverticulosis. Which meal indicates the client understands the discharge teaching?

1. Fried fish, mashed potatoes, and iced tea.
2. Ham sandwich, applesauce, and whole milk.
3. Chicken salad on whole-wheat bread and
   water.
4. Lettuce, tomato, and cucumber salad and
   coffee.

Answer 4

3. Chicken salad on whole-wheat bread and
   water.

Question 5

The nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of an aminoglycoside antibiotic to the client diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

1. Obtain a serum trough level.
2. Ask about drug allergies.
3. Monitor the peak level.
4. Assess the vital signs.

Answer 5

2. Ask about drug allergies.

Question 6

The client diagnosed with acute diverticulitis is complaining of severe abdominal pain.

On assessment, the nurse finds a hard, rigid abdomen and T 102°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

1. Notify the health-care provider.
2. Prepare to administer a Fleet’s enema.
3. Administer an antipyretic suppository. 4. Continue to monitor the client closely.

Answer 6

1. Notify the health-care provider.
   signs of peritonitis

Question 7

The nurse is teaching a class on diverticulosis. Which interventions should the nurse discuss when teaching ways to prevent an acute exacerbation of diverticulosis? Select all that apply.

1. Eat a high-fiber diet.
2. Increase fluid intake.
3. Elevate the HOB after eating.
4. Walk 30 minutes a day.
5. Take an antacid every two (2) hours

Question 8

The nurse is working in an outpatient clinic. Which client is most likely to have a diagnosis of diverticulosis?

1. A 60-year-old male with a sedentary lifestyle.
2. A 72-year-old female with multiple childbirths.
3. A 63-year-old female with hemorrhoids.
4. A 40-year-old male with a family history of diverticulosis.

Question 9

The client is admitted to the medical floor with acute diverticulitis. Which collaborative intervention should the nurse anticipate the health-care provider ordering?

1. Administer total parenteral nutrition.
2. Maintain NPO and nasogastric tube.
3. Maintain on a high-fiber diet and increase
   fluids.
4. Obtain consent for abdominal surgery.