Diverticulitis Nursing Diagnosis & Care Plan

Jump to Sections

• What is Diverticulitis?
• Signs & Symptoms
• Assessment
• Diverticulitis Nursing Diagnosis
• Diverticulitis Nursing Interventions
• Expected Outcomes & Goals
• Diverticulitis Care Plan Examples
• Additional Resources

A patient says she hasn’t eaten all day. 

The dull ache in her lower abdomen turns into sharp pain, and now she’s running a low-grade fever. 

Could this be diverticulitis? 

When symptoms raise this red flag, a clear nursing diagnosis for diverticulitis helps nurses take quick, effective action. From assessment to education, the care provided makes a difference in how — and how fast — the patient recovers.

What is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the wall of the colon. 

These pouches develop when weak spots in the colon wall bulge outward, often due to increased pressure. When these diverticula become inflamed or infected, it can lead to abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Signs and Symptoms of Diverticulitis

Nurses should watch for the following signs when assessing diverticulitis:

• Lower abdominal pain (often left-sided)
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal tenderness
• Bloating and flatulence
• Blood in stool (less common)
• Loss of appetite

Nursing Process for Diverticulitis

The nursing process for managing diverticulitis includes:

• Assessing symptoms
• Diagnosing based on clinical presentation and diagnostic tests
• Planning interventions to manage inflammation and infection
• Implementing appropriate care
• Evaluating patient outcomes to ensure recovery and prevent complications

Diverticulitis Nursing Assessment

A strong assessment provides the foundation for identifying the correct nursing diagnosis for diverticulitis.

• Assess pain characteristics (location, intensity, duration).
• Monitor vital signs (fever, tachycardia).
• Observe for abdominal distension and tenderness.
• Monitor bowel patterns (constipation, diarrhea).
• Assess for signs of bleeding (hematochezia).
• Review dietary habits and fiber intake.
• Monitor fluid intake and hydration status.
• Evaluate laboratory results (WBC count, CRP, stool tests).
• Review imaging results (CT scan for diverticula and inflammation).

Diverticulitis Nursing Diagnosis

Here are common nursing diagnoses for diverticulitis based on clinical presentation:

• Acute pain related to inflammation and distension of the colon
• Risk for infection related to perforation or abscess formation
• Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to abdominal pain and decreased oral intake

Diverticulitis Nursing Interventions

After confirming the nursing diagnosis for diverticulitis, the priority is to stabilize the patient, relieve discomfort, and reduce inflammation. 

Here’s how to approach it:

• Monitor pain level and administer prescribed analgesics.
• Maintain NPO status during acute episodes to rest the bowel.
• Administer intravenous fluids to maintain hydration.
• Administer prescribed antibiotics to manage infection.
• Monitor bowel sounds and abdominal girth.
• Educate the patient on gradually increasing dietary fiber post-acute phase.
• Promote fluid intake to prevent constipation.
• Educate on avoiding seeds, nuts, and high-fiber foods during flare-ups.
• Encourage rest to reduce abdominal pressure.

Each intervention supports the patient’s recovery while preventing further complications.

Nursing Goals and Expected Outcomes for Diverticulitis

Now it’s time to define what success looks like. 

The care plan should outline measurable, time-specific goals that reflect symptom relief, recovery progress, and long-term management:

• Patient will report a reduction in abdominal pain within 24 hours of treatment

• Patient will demonstrate normal bowel function within 72 hours

• Patient will remain free from signs of infection (fever, elevated white blood cell (WBC) count

• Patient will verbalize dietary changes necessary to prevent recurrence

These outcomes help guide clinical decisions and provide a benchmark for evaluating patient progress.

Nursing Care Plans for Diverticulitis

Let’s look at sample care plans based on common nursing diagnoses for diverticulitis.

Care Plan #1

Diagnostic Statement

Acute pain related to inflammation and distension of the colon as evidenced by abdominal tenderness and reported pain of 8/10.

Expected Outcomes

• Patient will report a pain level of 3/10 or less within 24 hours of intervention
• Patient will exhibit reduced abdominal tenderness
• Patient will demonstrate use of relaxation techniques to manage discomfort

Assessment

• Assess pain intensity, location, and quality regularly.
• Monitor abdominal tenderness and rigidity.
• Observe for signs of peritoneal irritation (rebound tenderness).

Interventions

• Administer prescribed analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or opioids).
• Apply warm compresses to the abdomen to relieve discomfort.
• Educate on resting in a semi-Fowler’s position to reduce pressure.
• Monitor for signs of worsening pain or peritonitis.
• Encourage deep breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce pain perception.

Care Plan #2

Diagnostic Statement

Risk for infection related to possible perforation or abscess formation secondary to inflamed diverticula

Expected Outcomes

• Patient will remain afebrile with a WBC count within normal limits
• Patient will show no signs of abscess formation or peritonitis
• Patient will verbalize understanding of infection prevention measures

Assessment

• Monitor temperature, heart rate, and WBCl count.
• Assess for signs of sepsis (fever, hypotension, or tachycardia).
• Evaluate for signs of localized abscess (swelling, or tenderness).

Interventions

• Administer prescribed antibiotics

• Monitor abdominal girth and changes in bowel habits

• Maintain NPO (nothing per os), also known as “nothing by mouth,” status to rest the bowel and prevent rupture.

• Perform meticulous hand hygiene to prevent secondary infections.

• Educate on completing the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.

• Observe for signs of abscess rupture or peritonitis (sudden severe pain).

Care Plan #3

Diagnostic Statement

Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to abdominal pain and decreased oral intake as evidenced by weight loss and fatigue

Expected Outcomes

• Patient will consume adequate calories and nutrients as recommended
• Patient will maintain stable weight during treatment
• Patient will report improved appetite within 48 hours of intervention

Assessment

• Monitor dietary intake and food preferences.
• Assess for signs of malnutrition (weight loss or fatigue).
• Monitor laboratory results for signs of nutrient deficiencies.

Interventions

• Start with clear liquids during acute episodes and progress as tolerated.
• Offer small, frequent meals to minimize discomfort.
• Encourage high-protein, low-fiber foods initially and gradually transition to high-fiber foods.
• Collaborate with a dietitian to develop a balanced meal plan.
• Educate on the importance of a high-fiber diet post-recovery to prevent future episodes.
• Monitor hydration status and encourage fluid intake.

Preventing Diverticulitis Recurrence

Preventing recurrence is just as important as managing current symptoms. 

Patient education plays a big role in reducing the likelihood of another flare.

• Educate the patient on maintaining a high-fiber diet (whole grains, vegetables, and fruits).

• Encourage regular physical activity to promote bowel motility.

• Teach patients to avoid foods that can irritate the colon (nuts, seeds, and popcorn).

• Emphasize the importance of staying hydrated.

• Educate on recognizing early signs of recurrence (bloating, cramping, changes in stool).

• Encourage routine follow-up with health care providers.

Patient Education and Discharge Planning

Effective discharge planning plays a key role in preventing complications and supporting long-term recovery. 

Before discharge, ensure the patient understands how to manage diverticulitis at home and when to seek follow-up care.

• Educate on dietary modifications to prevent constipation and inflammation.

• Instruct the patient on medication adherence, including antibiotics and pain management.

• Emphasize the importance of the gradual reintroduction of fiber after acute symptoms resolve.

• Provide written instructions on monitoring symptoms and when to seek medical care.

• Offer resources for dietary counseling and support groups for chronic gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.

• Educate on the importance of avoiding straining during bowel movements.

Recommended Resources on Diverticulitis

These go-to resources offer trusted info, clinical guidelines, and patient education materials to back up any care plan:

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
• American College of Gastroenterology

Nursing Care Plan Resources

• Nursing Diagnosis
• Nursing Interventions
• Nursing Care Plan Template
• Nursing Process
• ADPIE

Putting the Plan Into Action

Managing diverticulitis goes beyond recognizing the symptoms.

It requires a structured, evidence-based care plan that targets immediate concerns and long-term outcomes. Effective nursing care includes pain control, bowel rest, infection prevention, hydration, and tailored education to support recovery and reduce recurrence.

Understanding the clinical priorities and staying consistent with interventions ensures safer outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. 

Want more help creating care plans? 

Visit our nursing care plan hub for downloadable templates and examples.

References and Sources

1. American College of Gastroenterology. (n.d.). Diverticulosis and diverticulitis. Retrieved April 5, 2025.

2. Doenges, M. E., Moorhouse, M. F., & Murr, A. C. (2025). Nursing care plans: Guidelines for individualizing client care across the life span (11th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.

3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Diverticular Diseases. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved April 5, 2025.

4. Peery, A. F., et al. (2021). AGA clinical practice update on medical management of colonic diverticulitis: Expert review. Gastroenterology, 160(3), 906-911.e1. 

5. UCSF Health. (n.d.). Diverticular disease and diet. Retrieved April 5, 2025.

6. UpToDate. (n.d.). Diverticular disease: Beyond the basics. Retrieved April 6, 2025.