Eleanor, a 62 y.o. woman with diverticulosis is your patient. Which interventions would you expect to include in her care?
A. Low-fiber diet and fluid restrictions.
B. Total parenteral nutrition and bed rest.
C. High-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
D. Administration of analgesics and antacids.
Correct Answer: C. High-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
She needs a high-fiber diet and a psyllium (bulk laxative) to promote normal soft stools. Diverticulosis is a clinical condition in which multiple sac-like protrusions (diverticula) develop along the gastrointestinal tract. Though diverticula may form at weak points in the walls of either the small or large intestines, the majority occur in the large intestine (most commonly the sigmoid colon).
Option A: Most clinicians recommend increasing fiber content in the diet, which can help increase the bulk of the stools. Fiber also helps to control the recurrence of symptoms. Patients with diverticular disease are also advised to avoid seeds, corn, and nuts because of the belief that these foods could cause diverticulitis.
Option B: Greater intestinal bulk reduces the number of spasms, and as a result, decreases intestinal pressures. Studies found no positive or negative association between diverticular disease and consumption of nuts, grains, potassium, ?-carotene, vitamin C, and magnesium.
Option D: Treatment is typically aimed at reducing intestinal spasms, which is potentially achievable by increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Most bleeding associated with diverticulosis is self-limiting and does not require intervention. In some cases, however, endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical intervention may be required to stop persistent bleeding ((e.g., injection, coagulation (cautery, argon plasma coagulator), or mechanical devices (clips, bands, loops)).
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