Lower GI: Diverticulitis, Colon Cancer, PCA Flashcards
What is diverticulitis?
- Inflammation of diverticula (small pouches in the intestine)
- Usually occurs in descending colon
What is the path of diverticulitis?
- High intraluminal pressure causes diverticula to form in weak spots in the GI wall.
- Undigested food and bacteria accumulate in the diverticula, leading to inflammation
- If untreated, rupture can occur
What are the risk factors that can lead to diverticulitis?
- Low fiber diet
- Genetics
- Obestity
- Smoking/alcohol
- NSAIDs
- Corticosteroids
What are the s/s of diverticulitis?
- LLQ abdominal pain (descending, sigmoid colon)
- Bloating
- Fever
- N/V
What lab results would indicate diverticulitis?
- ↑ WBCs, ESR
* ↓ Hgb/Hct with bleeding
What dx tests would be ordered for diverticulitis?
- Barium enema
- Colonoscopy
- CT
- Lower GI series
What is the medication treatment for diverticulitis?
- Abx
* Analgesics
What complications need to be monitored for with diverticulitis?
- Perforation
- Peritonitis
- Bleeding
- Fistula
What is the pt teaching for diverticulitis?
- NP or clear liquid diet during exacerbations, then progress to low-fiber diet
- After immediate resolution, move to high-fiber diet
What surgical tx is available for diverticulitis if medication doesn’t work?
• Colectomy
True or False
The pt w/ diverticulitis is at increased risk for cancer.
• True
What lifestyle change can a patient do to help keep the bowel active?
• Exercise
What is used to help clean out the bowel with diverticulitis?
- GoLytely, a common laxative
* Mixed in 3L water and pt needs to drink whole thing
In general, good bacteria like what kind of food?
• Vegetables
In general, bad bacteria like what kind of food?
• Sugars and fats