1. ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

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

8. Cristel B. Arestang BSN III