Patho-physiology: Diverticular disease

affects men and women equally, and

most are asymptomatic.
There
Copyrighted
:Not is
to no
be reproduced without developers permission. Patent Pending
known cause of diverticular disease,
but deficiency in dietary fiber has been
Vital Signs:
Patient Appearance:
associated with it. The cause of
BP:
Abdominal discomfort, constipation,
diverticulitis is related to the retention
P:
rectal or occult bleeding, abdominal
of stool and bacteria in the
T:
distention, impaction., hypoactive bowel
Diverticulum, forming a hardened mass
R:
sounds, straining on defecation.
called fecalith. This causes
inflammation and usually small
perforations called Diverticulum,
usually occurring in the sigmoid colon.
Tests and
Diagnostics:
Stool for Occult
Blood
Barium Enema
Sigmoidoscopy
CT Scan
Abdominal Xrays
Colonoscopy

Labs:
Cbc to R/o bleeding and
infection.
Lytes
Urinalysis
Blood C/S

Disease/Diagnosis:
Medications/Treatments:
IVF for rehydration or
electrolyte imbalance
Metamucil
Bentyl or Donnatal to
decrease spasms
Antibiotics
Bed rest
NG to suction
Blood transfusions

DIVERTICULITIS

Psycho-Social
(Family):Instruct pt. and
family re: importance of
adequate fluid intake, high
fiber diet, dietary fiber
supplements, stool
softeners, anticholinergics.

Nursing Dx / Interventions:
1.

Constipation r/t dietary fiber deficiency and roughage, aeb lack of daily bowel movement.

2. Deficient Knowledge r/t diet needed to control disease, medication regimen.

3. Abdominal Pain, r/t inflammation of bowel.
Monitor abdomen, pain, nutrition, therapeutic and nontherapeutic effects of meds.