Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Prepare for your exams
Study with the several resources on Docsity
Earn points to download
Earn points by helping other students or get them with a premium plan
Community
Ask the community for help and clear up your study doubts
Discover the best universities in your country according to Docsity users
Free resources
Download our free guides on studying techniques, anxiety management strategies, and thesis advice from Docsity tutors
Disease process of Diverticulitis. Pathophysiology, Clinical manifestations and Treatment
Typology: Summaries
1 / 3
This page cannot be seen from the preview
Don't miss anything!
refers to the inflammation and infection of one or more diverticula generally in the sigmoid colon. It is a complication of diverticulosis and is thought to be caused by impacted stool and food and bacteria trapped in the diverticula. II. CAUSES/ RISK FACTORS Age Genetics Obesity Low-fiber diet Constipation Smoking NSAIDs Lifestyle III. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Left Lower Quadrant Pain Bloating Constipation or frequency of defecation Nausea & vomiting Low-grade fever V. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Abdominal CT scan o Gold Standard o For CT scans, administer oral and intravenous contrast agents to enhance visualization. o Provides detailed images of the colon, diverticula, and surrounding tissues. Identifies inflammation, abscesses, perforation, and fistulas. Barium enema o Patient receives a barium enema solution through a rectal tube. o X-rays are taken as the barium fills the colon. Colonoscopy o A flexible scope with a camera is inserted through the rectum and colon. o Allows direct visualization of diverticula, inflammation, and mucosal findings. Blood test o Complete blood count (CBC): Elevated white blood cells may indicate infection. VI. POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS Perforation : This occurs when an inflamed pouch ruptures, spilling infected matter into the abdominal cavity. Abscess Formation: Pockets of pus may develop within or around the inflamed diverticula. Bowel Obstruction: Scarring from previous diverticulitis episodes can narrow the colon, leading to partial or complete blockage. Fistula formation: An abnormal connection between different parts of the intestine or between the intestine and other organs Hemorrhage: Bleeding can occur from blood vessels near the diverticula, leading to rectal bleeding. VII. NURSING INTERVENTION Providing pain medication as prescribed and monitoring vital signs to ensure patient comfort. Monitoring bowel movements and promoting regularity to prevent constipation. Recommending a high-fiber diet and adequate fluid intake to prevent constipation and promote gut health. VIII. MEDICAL/SURGICAL INTERVENTION MEDICAL o Analgesics: for pain relief o Antibiotic: to treat infection o Diet Modification : Increasing fiber intake and adequate hydration are generally recommended. o Anti-Inflammatory Medications: In some cases, to reduce inflammation.
