Diverticulitis resident survival guide

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Andrea Tamayo Soto [2]

Management

Diagnostic Approach

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the diagnostic approach to diverticulitis

Characterize the symptoms: ❑ Chest pain ❑ Absence of physical exertion ❑ Duration> 20 minutes ❑ Radiation to the jaw or left arm ❑ No relief with medications ❑ No relief with rest ❑ Worse with time ❑ Nausea ❑ Vomiting ❑ Sweating
Obtain a detailed history: ❑ Age ❑ Previous MI ❑ Previous PCI or CABG ❑ Cardiac risk factors: ❑ Hypertension ❑ Diabetes ❑ Hypercholesterolemia ❑ Tobacco use
Examine the patient: ❑ Measure the blood pressure ❑ Measure the heart rate ❑ Auscultate the heart searching for murmurs ❑ Search for signs of CHF ❑ Decreased air entry in the lungs ❑ Edema in the extremities
Order labs and tests: ❑ EKG ❑ Biomarkers ❑ Troponin I ❑ CK-MB ❑ Creatinine ❑ Glucose ❑ Hemoglobin

Therapeutic Approach

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the therapeutic approach to

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources