| Question | Answer |
| What can result if diverticulitis remains untreated? | Septicemia and septic shock |
| What are Osmotic Cathartics (hyperosmotic laxative) indicated for? | *Chronic constipation *Bowel prep |
| What are Stimulant Laxatives indicated for? | *Acute constipation *Bowel prep |
| What are bulk forming laxatives indicated for? | *Constipation (Acute & Chronic) *IBS *DIVERTICULITIS |
| What are the five categories of laxatives? | *Bulk forming *Emollient (Lubricants & softeners) *Hyperosmotic *Saline *Stimulant |
| When is surgical management mandatory for diverticular disorders? | if obstruction, perforation, abscesses or hemorrhage occur |
| What are Saline Laxatives indicated for? | *Constipation *Bowel prep |
| What can be the result of repeated inflammation of diverticuli? | the lumen of the colon narrows and may become obstructed |
| List four S/Sx of appendicitis: | *Vomiting *Low-grade fever (99° to 102° F) *Elevated white blood cell count *Abdominal pain/rebound tenderness at McBurneys point *Rigid abdomen *Decreased or absent bowel sounds |
| What laxatives are used in Tx of chronic constipation? | *Bulk formin *Hyperosmotic |
| Who is appendicitis most common in? | Most common in adolescents and young adults (mainly men), but can occur at any age |
| What laxatives are used for bowel prep? | *Hyperosmotic *Saline *Stimulant *(HS2) |
| How do Stimulant laxatives work? | causes peristalsis via intestinal nerve stimulation ; act on colon by reducing H2o and electrolyte absorption increasing H2o and ions into the intestine |
| What may diverticulosis be the result of? | Chronic constipation or the result of the modern, highly refined, low-residue diet |
| What will the PT experience if intestinal obstruction from diverticulosis occurs? | abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting |
| How do bulk forming laxatives work? | High fiber, absorb h20 to increase bulk, distend bowels to initiate reflex bowel activity |
| How do Saline Laxatives work? | draws h2o into the colon to increase stool mass, stretch musculature causing increased peristalsis and producing watery stools |
| What is Diverticulitis? | the inflammation or infection of one or more diverticula |
| ALL laxative tablets should be taken how and with what? | Swallowed whole (never crushed or chewed) and with 6 to 8 ounces of water |
| What are the general contraindications for laxatives? | *Hypersensitivity *Persistent abdominal pain *Nausea *Vomiting of unknown cause |
| What is Peritonitis? | inflammation of the abdominal peritoneum |
| What are the general side effects of laxatives? | *Nausea *Diarrhea *Abdominal cramps |
| What is Diverticulosis? | the presence of pouch-like herniations through the muscular layer of the colon, particularly the sigmoid colon |
| What is the test of choice to diagnose diverticulitis? | CT scan with oral contrast |
| What diagnostic test should NOT be performed on a PT with diverticulitis and why? | A patient with acute diverticulitis should not have a barium enema or colonoscopy because of the possibility of perforation and peritonitis |
| What laxatives are used in Tx of acute constipation? | *Bulk forming *Stimulant |
| What test is done to rule out carcinoma in a PT with diverticula? | Colonoscopy |
| Whya are analgesics avoided in appendicitis? | Analgesics may mask symptoms |
| What should be encouraged as an alternative to laxative use? | A healthy, high-fiber diet and increased fluid intake |
| How do Osmotic Cathartics (hyperosmotic laxative) work? | increases fecal h20 content, bowel distention, increased peristalsis>>evacuation |
| How does appendicitis occur? | Occurs when the opening of the appendix becomes obstructed |
| What is the name of the location where abdominal pain from appendicits generalizes? | McBurney's Point |
| What position should the PT with peritonitis be placed in and why? | Place patient on bed rest in semi-Fowler’s position to help localize purulent exudates in lower abdomen or pelvis |
| What is appendicitis? | the inflammation of the vermiform appendix located at the tip of the cecum in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) of the abdomen |
| What characterizes peritonitis? | Severe abdominal pain, where the PT often assumes the supine position with the knees flexed to relax the abdominal muscles; any movement is painful |
| What can long term use of laxatives lead to? | decreased bowel tone and dependency |
