Diverticulitis for Certified Emergency Nursing (CEN)

Diverticulitis

Definition/Etiology:

• Diverticulitis – inflammation/infection of the diverticula in the colon
• Most common in middle aged people that smoke, are overweight, eat a low fiber diet that is high in fat and do not exercise.
• Exact etiology – undetermined. Believed to be caused by constipation secondary to not eating enough fiber.

Pathophysiology:

• Diverticula = pockets/bulges in the colon
• Diverticulosis = you have diverticula
• Diverticulitis = your diverticulosis is angry and infected

Clinical Presentation:

• Abdominal Pain (usually LLQ)
• Change in bowel habits
• N/V
• Fever

Collaborative Management:

• CT abdomen pelvis
• Abdominal US
• CBC
• CMP
• CRP
• ESR
• Medical management preferred over surgery.
• Bland diet/bowel rest
• Antiemetic
• Antibiotic therapy
• IV hydration

Evaluation | Patient Monitoring | Education:

• Pain management
• Hemodynamic monitoring for signs of hypovolemia
• Can be discharged for outpatient follow up if able to hold down fluids and pain is controlled.

Linchpins: (Key Points)

• LLQ pain
• Diverticulitis is angry diverticulosis
• Medical management preferred