An adult patient has been diagnosed with diverticular disease after ongoing challenges with constipation. The patient will be treated on an outpatient basis. What components of treatment should the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.
Anticholinergic medications
Increased fiber intake
Reduced fat intake
Fluid reduction
Enemas on alternating days
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A reason:
Anticholinergic medications: These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Anticholinergic medications can reduce intestinal motility and cause dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention, which can aggravate the diverticula and increase the risk of complications. The patient should avoid these medications unless prescribed by a doctor for another condition.
Choice B reason:
Increasing fiber intake is a common component of treatment for diverticular disease as it can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
Choice C reason:
Reducing fat intake is also important in the treatment of diverticular disease, as a low-fat diet can help prevent further irritation of the colon.
Choice D reason:
This is not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. On the contrary, adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration and constipation, which can worsen the condition. The patient should drink at least eight glasses of water per day or more if they have a high-fiber diet.
Choice E reason:
These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Enemas can irritate the colon and increase the pressure in the diverticula, which can lead to perforation or bleeding. The patient should avoid enemas unless instructed by a doctor for a specific reason.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- A: This response minimizes the client's feelings and may make them feel unheard. It's important for healthcare providers to acknowledge a patient's feelings and provide reassurance in a more empathetic manner.
- B: This response delays addressing the client's concerns and may increase his anxiety. Consent is important, but it should not be a barrier to discussing care and addressing concerns.
- C: This response is factual but does not address the client's immediate concern about pain. It's crucial to address the client's fears directly rather than deflecting to the procedure's necessity.
- D: This response directly addresses the client's concern about pain by informing him of the sedative, which is a common practice to reduce discomfort during a colonoscopy. It provides reassurance and factual information about the procedure's process.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asterixis is a characteristic sign of hepatic encephalopathy, characterized by a flapping tremor of the hands. It is associated with liver dysfunction and is indicative of impaired ammonia metabolism in the brain.

Choice B reason:
Fetor hepaticus refers to a musty, sweet odor of the breath that is associated with severe liver disease. It is not related to the flapping tremor observed in this case.
Choice C reason:
Palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms and is associated with various conditions, including liver disease. However, it is not the sign described in the scenario.
Choice D reason:
Constructional apraxia is a neurological deficit characterized by difficulty in copying or constructing simple drawings or designs. It is not related to the flapping tremor seen in hepatic encephalopathy.
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