In the management of diverticulitis, which dietary status is typically included in care?

• A. NPO
• B. Regular diet with fiber
• C. High-fat diet
• D. Clear liquids only

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is bowel rest during an acute diverticulitis flare. When the colon is inflamed, resting it helps reduce stool passage, gas, and mechanical irritation, aiding inflammation to subside. Nothing by mouth is typically included at the start to minimize strain on the colon while antibiotics and pain control are given. As symptoms improve, the diet is gradually advanced—from clear liquids to a low-fiber intake during the acute phase, and eventually back to higher-fiber foods after recovery to support long-term bowel health. Regular diet with fiber would irritate the inflamed colon; a high-fat diet isn’t part of standard diverticulitis care; and although some plans use clear liquids after stabilization, the initial standard approach is to keep the patient NPO to rest the gut.