Nursing 213

N213: Health Differences Across the Lifespan 3 Study Guide surgical intervention. The main treatments for this disorder are increased fiber in the diet, laxatives, and bowel rest during the acute phase. Signs and symptoms of diverticulitis: • Absence of symptoms • Low grade fever • Cramping in the left lower quadrant • Pain relieved by passing stool • Constipation • Diarrhea Signs and symptoms of diverticulosis: • Fatigue • Cramps • Large bowel narrows • Fibrotic stricture • Constipation • Hematochezia • Weakness • Occult blood in stool Nursing assessment for diverticular disease: • Full abdominal assessment: inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation • Inquire about history of abdominal pain • Ask patient about dietary habits and pattern of elimination • Visual inspection of stools: check for blood, mucous, pus, and consistency • Review laboratory reports: o CBC: WBCs may be elevated o Erythrocyte sedimentation rate o Barium enema: Not done in diverticulitis because of possible rupture risk o Colonoscopy o Sigmoidoscopy CT scan Nursing diagnosis for diverticular disease: • Altered gastrointestinal tissue perfusion related to inflammation and hard stools • Pain related to infection and inflammation • Constipation related to colon narrowing, secondary to low fiber diet • Knowledge deficit related to disease process, dietary management, and treatment plan Nursing interventions for diverticular disease: • Assess pain on a scale of 1-10 and treat pain per MDorders • Monitor vital signs and watch for s/s of infection and/or hemorrhage • Try to teach patient non-pharmacological pain relief measures like relaxation or diversion

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