Definition
- Diverticulitis – is a condition involving inflammation of diverticula, small saccular herniations int the colonic wall.
- Diverticulosis – exists when multiple diverticula are present without inflammation or symptoms.
Risk Factors
Diverticula
- Increased intraluminal pressure
- Low-fiber diet
- Chronic constipation
- Obesity
Diverticulitis
- Bacteria / food trapped in the diverticula
- Inflammation and infection
- Sigmoid colon is the most common site for diverticulitis because of fecal masses that irritate and increase pressure in the colon.
Pathophysiology
Diverticula form as the colonic mucosa pushes through the muscular coat at weak points. Increased intraluminal pressure is the apparent precipitating factor. The diverticula gradually fill with undigested food matter and bacteria. As they enlarge, they become more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
Potential complications:
- Bacterial or fecal contamination of pericolic tissues
- Fistula
- Colonic wall thicken, narrowing the lumen causing acute obstruction
- Peritonitis
- Hemorrhage
Assessment/Clinical Manifestations/Signs and Symptoms
Diverticulosis
- Asymptomatic, multiple diverticula are present without inflammation
Diverticulitis
- Change in bowel habits
- Dull, steady, or episodic pain in the abdominal left lower quadrant or the epigstrium (depending on location of the diverticulitis)
- Rectal bleeding
- Anorexia
- Low-grade fever
Laboratory and diagnostic study findings:
- Complete blood count evaluation may reveal an elevated white blood cell count and elevated sedimentation rate
- Colonoscopy can visualize diverticula and exclude other possible cause
- Barium enema shows narrowing of the colon and thickened muscle masses, this test is contraindicated in cases of acute inflammation because of the possibility of bower perforation.
Nursing Management
Provide measures to rest the colon during an acute exacerbation, which results when food or bacteria in the diverticula cause inflammation.
- Administer nothing by mouth
- Administer IV fluids
- Institute nasogastric suctioning
- Keep the client on bed rest
Help restore the client’s normal bowel elimination pattern by administering one or more of the following:
- Bulk laxatives
- Stimulant laxatives
- Stool softeners (typically used for elderly clients because they are gentle and less likely to cause laxative dependence)
- Saline laxatives
- At least 8 oz of water with any agent
Help prevent constipation.
- Encourage daily exercise such as walking, which increases bowel peristalsis.
Teach the client about nursing care.
- Inform the client that all nursing interventions for diverticulitis are aimed at moving the stool through the colon as easily and with as little irritation as possible.
