A patient with a known history of diverticulosis, who is experiencing severe cramping and diarrhea, was admitted to the hospital during the night with diverticulitis. The patient's pain continues to increase and the abdomen is now very distended and hard. The patient has spiked a fever of 102.4°F. A nurse notifies the primary care physician that the patient may be developing a complication from diverticulosis that is life-threatening. This complication is

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The patient's symptoms of severe cramping, diarrhea, increased pain, distended and hard abdomen, fever, and known history of diverticulosis suggest the development of diverticulitis. The patient's condition has worsened, and they may now be experiencing peritonitis, which is a potentially life-threatening complication of diverticulitis. Peritonitis occurs when the diverticula, or pockets in the colon wall, become infected and inflamed, causing the lining of the abdominal cavity to become inflamed and infected as well. This can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and shock. Immediate medical intervention, such as surgery or antibiotic therapy, is necessary to treat peritonitis.

A Patient with a Known History of Diverticulosis, Who Is