ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM

 * An esophageal diverticulum is an outpouching of the esophageal wall

Nursing Diagnoses  * Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements, related to dysphagia  * Acute Pain related to symptoms and surgical procedure

Nursing Interventions Improving Nutritional Status  * Provide frequent, small meals, which are better tolerated.  * Elevate head of bed for 2 hours after eating.  * Monitor intake and output.  * Weigh daily.

Maintaining Comfort and Preventing Complications  * Administer appropriate pain medications, and assess effectiveness.  * Patient may need oral suctioning to control drooling.  * Maintain NG tube if in place.  o Irrigate tube as ordered.  o Do not manipulate NG tube due to location of tube and suture line.

Patient Education and Health Maintenance  * Instruct patient regarding treatment of esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux  * Instruct patient on importance of good oral hygiene.

Evaluation: Expected Outcomes  * Tolerates oral feedings; maintains weight  * States pain decreased to 2 or 3 on 0-to- 10 scale

Cristel B. Arestang BSN III