Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(Sean Pound) #1

(^298) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified



  • Fever with diverticulitis

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Tachycardia due to fever

  • Peritonitis if diverticula ruptures


INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS



  • Barium enema will show diverticula—not done if there is increased risk of
    perforation.

  • Colonoscopy will show diverticula—not done during acute inflammation.

  • CT scan will show thickening of bowel wall due to inflammation or abscess
    in diverticulitis.

  • Elevated white blood count (WBC) during diverticulitis.


TREATMENT



  • Administer antibiotics:

    • ciprofloxacin

    • metronidazole

    • trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole



  • Administer adequate intravenous hydration.

  • Manage pain as needed.

  • NPO or clear liquids (depending on order) during acute inflammation to rest
    intestinal tract.

  • Surgical intervention to correct perforation of diverticula, abscess formal-
    tion, bowel obstruction, fistula formation.

  • NG tube postoperatively.


NURSING DIAGNOSES



  • Acute pain

  • Altered bowel elimination

  • Disturbed body image

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