Reference no: EM133878512

Question

Paul Jones, a 35-year-old patient, presents at the clinic after a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast agent was positive for diverticulitis.

The patient presents with nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills; left lower quadrant abdominal pain described as spasms; and a firm mass. Bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants. The patient reports bouts of constipation with a hard narrow stool that is difficult to pass and periods of diarrhea with abdominal cramping.

The stool is negative for occult blood. The patient has no other medical conditions. The vital signs include BP, 110/70; P, 100; R, 22; and T, 101°F. The white blood count and ESR are elevated.

The primary provider prescribes a broad-spectrum antibiotic, amoxicillin clavulanate, for 10 days; propantheline bromide before meals and at bedtime; psyllium; and docusate sodium. Diet is as follows: clear liquids until inflammation subsides for 24 to 48 hours, and then advance diet, as tolerated, increasing the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables at least five servings per day, and bran cereal every day. The patient is also instructed to eat whole grain bread.

1. What questions should the nurse ask the patient while taking a history?

2. What patient education should the nurse provide to the patient being treated for diverticulitis on an outpatient basis?