Bethany is studying for her finals in medical-surgical. She is on the chapter of gastrointestinal disorders. She comes to you for tutoring because she is having a difficult time with diverticulosis and diverticulitis
a. What can you tell her about the two disorders?
b. What are the presenting symptoms?
c. Are they medically managed the same? Is treatment the same for both?
Students' answers should include the following:
a. Diverticula are due to low intake of fiber (pouches in the four intestinal walls).
Asymptomatic diverticula are called diverticulosis.
Inflamed diverticula are called diverticulitis.
Diverticula become inflamed due to feces trapped in the pouches.
b. Can cause intestinal obstruction in an area if enough are swelled and/or blocking the area
Constipation, alternating with diarrhea, pain, flatulence, LLQ pain, and tenderness
Currant jelly–type stools when diverticula bleed
Colonoscopy shows irregular walls and inflammatory areas.
c. Medically managed similarly; when symptomatic, eat low-residual foods.
May need to be NPO, with IV fluids and antibiotics until inflammation resides in extreme cases
Bran for bulk in diet, avoid laxatives, avoid constipation, drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily, and exercise daily
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