Diverticular Disease Case Study
Executive Summary: Education for Recovery Room Nurses on the Topic of Diverticular Disease
Dina Gibson
Grand Canyon University: NRS-415V
November 10, 2013 Executive Summary: Education for Recovery Room Nurses on the Topic of Diverticular Disease We as nurses have a common goal of educating the people that we care for and teaching them in detail about disease management and prevention. Diverticular disease is characterized by small pouches in the colon. Most people do not exhibit symptoms, but some will have mild symptoms such as cramps, bloating or constipation. If the pouches become inflamed or infected, they develop into a condition known as diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain usually left …show more content…
Constipation and straining, can make this condition worse so it is very imperative that the patient be instructed on the importance of a high fiber diet. A high fiber diet keeps the stool soft and adds bulk allowing it to pass easily. Since many people may not know what foods are high in fiber, the recovery room nurse should be aware and be able to educate them on how to make good choices, and foods to add increased fiber to their diet. This also can benefit the physician by nursing staff providing this valuable education. Some fiber rich foods include fruits such as berries, apples and bananas, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and squash. Beans and legumes are also fiber rich foods. Bread choices should consist of whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole grain cereals. The goal of a high fiber diet is to be eating 25-35 grams of fiber per day. If the diet is not currently high in fiber, it should be increased gradually. Too much fiber too fast can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain and bloating. Fluid is also important to keep things moving, at least 64 ounces of liquids per day, and a regular exercise routine. Diverticulosis can lead to severe complications such as infection, bleeding and intestinal blockage. Another complication that may arise from Diverticular Disease, is Diverticulitis. This condition occurs when the pouches become inflamed and infected. During these flare ups patients treated with antibiotics and will be kept on a clear liquid diet, progress to a low fiber diet, and gradually return to normal diet after symptoms improve. (www.ucsfhealth.org). When complications do not respond to diet or medication, surgery to remove the infected area may be required.
Dina Gibson
Grand Canyon University: NRS-415V
November 10, 2013 Executive Summary: Education for Recovery Room Nurses on the Topic of Diverticular Disease We as nurses have a common goal of educating the people that we care for and teaching them in detail about disease management and prevention. Diverticular disease is characterized by small pouches in the colon. Most people do not exhibit symptoms, but some will have mild symptoms such as cramps, bloating or constipation. If the pouches become inflamed or infected, they develop into a condition known as diverticulitis. The most common symptom is abdominal pain usually left …show more content…
Constipation and straining, can make this condition worse so it is very imperative that the patient be instructed on the importance of a high fiber diet. A high fiber diet keeps the stool soft and adds bulk allowing it to pass easily. Since many people may not know what foods are high in fiber, the recovery room nurse should be aware and be able to educate them on how to make good choices, and foods to add increased fiber to their diet. This also can benefit the physician by nursing staff providing this valuable education. Some fiber rich foods include fruits such as berries, apples and bananas, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and squash. Beans and legumes are also fiber rich foods. Bread choices should consist of whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole grain cereals. The goal of a high fiber diet is to be eating 25-35 grams of fiber per day. If the diet is not currently high in fiber, it should be increased gradually. Too much fiber too fast can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain and bloating. Fluid is also important to keep things moving, at least 64 ounces of liquids per day, and a regular exercise routine. Diverticulosis can lead to severe complications such as infection, bleeding and intestinal blockage. Another complication that may arise from Diverticular Disease, is Diverticulitis. This condition occurs when the pouches become inflamed and infected. During these flare ups patients treated with antibiotics and will be kept on a clear liquid diet, progress to a low fiber diet, and gradually return to normal diet after symptoms improve. (www.ucsfhealth.org). When complications do not respond to diet or medication, surgery to remove the infected area may be required.