Diverticulitis
Taylor Passero
Let’s Understand: Definitions To Know
• Diverticula: Known as pouches, pockets, bulges, bubbles, etc. that form in the walls of
the large intestine. (Diverticulum if there is more than one)
• Large Intestine: AKA Colon, digestive organ in the Gastrointestinal Tract responsible
for, “…absorbing water and salts that are not digested as food and get ride of the waste
left over” (Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , 2020).
• Diverticulosis: Is characterized by the presence of diverticula in the large intestine,
without any signs/ symptoms of infection and/or need for treatment.
• Diverticular Disease: When both, Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis occur together.
How Does It Start?
• Diverticula- ranging in size and
quantity form in the weakened parts of
the Large Intestinal walls due to
increased pressure in the colon.
• When these Diverticula become
infected, inflammation and irritation
occurs. This process is known as
Diverticulitis.
Picture from: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/diverticular-disease#1
Signs and Symptoms
• Pain
• Can begin with a mild onset and increase
in intensity. Can also be sudden ranging
from mild to severe.
• Common in the lower left side (Sigmoid
Colon Location)
• Abdominal Tenderness
• Fever/Chills
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Lower Abdominal Cramps
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Rectal Bleeding Picture fromhttps://www.google.com/diverticulitis
Diagnosing Diverticulitis
• CBC
• Urinalysis
• Hepatic Chemistries
• Stool analysis
• CT scan
• Women will also undergo a pregnancy test
if they are of childbearing age for rule out
purposes. Also, women are commonly seen
obtaining a pelvic exam to rule out PID.
Picture from: https://www.eurorad.org/case/15500
Treatment
Uncomplicated Complicated
• Mild Symptoms Home Tx • Severe Symptoms Hospitalization
• Antibiotics • IV Antibiotics
• Metronidazole, trimethoprim-
sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin or • IV Fluids
amoxicillin and clavulanic acid
• NPO if surgery may be indicated
• Liquid Diet
• Add Fiber
Complications •Primary Bowel Resection:
An anastomosis is performed diseased
segments of the large intestine are
surgically removed from the pt. Only
• Absess healthy tissue is left and reconnected in
• Bowel Perforation causing Peritonitis order for the pt to have regular bowel
• Rectal Bleeding movements.
• Multiple Attacks
Can be an open surgery or laparoscopic
• Fistula/Obstruction
• Weak Immune System
depending on how much of the colon is
• Surgery may be indicated infected and inflamed.
•Bowel Resection With Colostomy:
Picture from https://www.gallianosurgery.com/ostomy.shtml This is a more serious case, there is not
enough unaffected tissue left to rejoin
with healthy tissue after the resection.
When an anastomosis is not possible, a
colostomy will have to be performed.
Reversal IS POSSIBLE!!!
• It is important to manage Diverticulitis by
implementing lifestyle changes such as:
• Identifying foods that cause flare ups.
• Consume a High Fiber Diet (25-30g/day)
Management, Diet • Examples: Vegetables, grain, beans, fruits,
etc.
and Prevention • Eat Less Red Meat
• Moderate Exercise
• Most days out of the week for 30 minutes.
(Brisk walking
• Stay Hydrated
• Promote healthy bowel movements,
preventing constipation
• Provide measures to ensure Colon Resting
Nursing Care
• NPO
• Obtain Iv access to ensure IV fluids and IV antibiotics can be administered if indicated
• Bed Rest
• Restore Bowel Elimination Pattern Bulk/Simulant Laxatives, Stool softeners, Laxatives, Fluids
• Pain
• Assess PQRSTU administer analgesics as ordered, assess pain level 15-30 minutes after med administration.
• Assess bowel movements (number, characteristics, etc)
• Utilize nonpharmacological methods to induce comfort.
• Infection
• Vital signs q4h, as indicated. Report abnormal findings
• Assess Mental status and LOC
• Follow up on lab results, Administer antibiotics as ordered
• Teach
• High Fiber Low Red Met Diet
• Hydration Status
• Exercise daily
References
• Differences in Small & Large Intestines: Children's Pittsburgh. (2020). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from
https://www.chp.edu/our-services/transplant/intestine/education/about-small-large-intestines
• Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis Nursing Management. (2017, July 09). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from
https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/medical-surgical-nursing-notes/diverticulitis-and-diverticulosis-nursing-
management/
• Diverticulitis. (2020, May 07). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/diverticulitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371764
• Diverticulosis & Diverticulitis: Symptoms, Treatments, Prevention. (2020, April 01). Retrieved September 29, 2020, from
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticular-disease
•
[email protected]. (2015, April 26). Diverticulitis – Pathophysiology, Podcast, and Nursing care plan. Retrieved
September 29, 2020, from https://nursestudy.net/diverticulitis-pathophysiology-podcast-and-nursing-care-plan/
• Wilkins, T., Embry, K., & George, R. (2013, May 01). Diagnosis and Management of Acute Diverticulitis. Retrieved September
29, 2020, from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2013/0501/p612.html
