ROSH Gastrointestinal Practice Exam

Which symptom might indicate a complication of diverticulitis?

1. Diarrhea

2. Constipation

3. Constipation and fever

4. Dehydration

The correct answer is: Constipation and fever

A combination of constipation and fever can indicate a complication of diverticulitis, such as abscess formation or perforation of the diverticula. In diverticulitis, inflammation can lead to changes in bowel habits, often resulting in constipation due to the increased risk of bowel obstruction. Fever signifies the presence of an inflammatory process or infection, which often accompanies complications like abscesses, perforation, or peritonitis. When patients experience these symptoms together, it suggests that the condition may have progressed beyond simple diverticulitis to a more serious state that requires further medical evaluation and intervention. In contrast, while diarrhea and dehydration are common issues that may occur in gastrointestinal disorders, they are not as directly indicative of complications in diverticulitis specifically.