1. The client/caregiver can define two types of diverticular disease.
   1. Diverticulosis is a condition in which there are multiple diverticula that are outpouchings of mucosa through a weakened area in the intestinal wall in the lower bowel.
   2. Diverticulitis is the inflammation of diverticula that results when undigested food particles and bacteria become trapped in the diverticula.
2. The client/caregiver can identify factors that may increase risk of diverticular disease.
   1. Low-fiber diet
   2. Advancing age
   3. Chronic constipation
   4. Obesity
   5. History of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
3. The client/caregiver can recognize signs and symptoms of diverticular disease.
   1. Symptoms of diverticulosis include
      • Mild cramps, bloating, and constipation
   2. Symptoms of diverticulitis
      • Abdominal pain
      • Tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen
      • Fever and chills
      • Nausea and vomiting
      • Cramping
      • Constipation
4. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or manage diverticular disease.
   1. Avoid constipation.
      1. Eat a diet high in fiber to prevent constipation after inflammation has subsided (high-fiber diet in therapeutic diet).
      2. Use stool softeners or bulk laxatives as ordered by the physician.
      3. Avoid harsh laxatives and enemas.
      4. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
      5. Establish a regular time for bowel evacuation.
      6. Exercise regularly.
   2. Lose weight if necessary (weight-reduction diet).
   3. Report any fever, nausea or vomiting, cloudy or foul odor of urine, constipation, or diarrhea to physician.
   4. Ask the physician about recommendations for colon cancer screening.
5. The client/caregiver can list possible complications.
   1. Intestinal obstruction
   2. Peritonitis
   3. Hemorrhage
   4. Perforations
   5. Abscess or fistula formation
   6. Peritonitis and sepsis

Resources

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
E-mail: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care. Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Portable RN: The all-in-one nursing reference. (2002). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Taylor, C., Lillis, D., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com