Assignment
Purpose
The purpose of the graded collaborative discussions is to engage faculty and students in an interactive dialogue to assist the student in organizing, integrating, applying, and critically appraising knowledge regarding advanced nursing practice. Scholarly information obtained from credible sources as well as professional communication are required. Application of information to professional experiences promotes the analysis and use of principles, knowledge, and information learned and related to real-life professional situations. Meaningful dialogue among faculty and students fosters the development of a learning community as ideas, perspectives, and knowledge are shared.
Activity Learning Outcomes
I. Compare and contrast the pathophysiology of diverticular disease (diverticulosis) and acute diverticulitis.
II. Identify risk factors for acute diverticulitis and the clinical signs and symptoms associated with the disease.
III. Explain the significance of physical exam and diagnostic findings in the diagnosis of diverticular disease.
Case Scenario:
An 84-?year-old?-female who has a history of diverticular disease presents to the clinic with left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain of the abdomen that?is accompanied?by with constipation, nausea, vomiting and a?low-grade?fever (100.20?F) for 1 day.
On physical exam the patient appears unwell. She has signs of dehydration (pale mucosa, poor skin turgor with mild hypotension [90/60 mm Hg] and tachycardia [101 bpm]). The remainder of her exam is normal except for her abdomen where the NP notes a distended, round contour. Bowel sounds a faint and very hypoactive. She is tender to light palpation of the LLQ but without rebound tenderness. There is hyper-resonance of her abdomen to percussion.
The following diagnostics reveal:
Stool for occult blood is positive.
Flat plate abdominal x-ray demonstrates a bowel-gas pattern consistent with an ileus.
Abdominal CT scan with contrast shows no evidence of a mass or abscess. Small bowel in distended.
Based on the clinical presentation, physical exam and diagnostic findings, the patient is diagnosed with acute diverticulitis, and she is admitted to the hospital. She is prescribed intravenous antibiotics and fluids (IVF). Her symptoms improved and she could tolerate a regular diet before she was discharged to home.
Task:
I. Compare and contrast the pathophysiology between diverticular disease (diverticulosis) and diverticulitis.
II. Identify the clinical findings from the case that supports a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis. ?
III. List 3 risk factors for acute diverticulitis.
IV. Discuss why antibiotics and IV fluids are indicated in this case.
Format your assignment according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.