Esophageal Cancer
Cause
Unknown
Predisposing Factors
Tobacco Use
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Chronic Trauma
Poor Oral Hygiene
Spicy Food
Signs & Symptoms
Progressive Dysphagia
Sore Throat
Pain associated with Swallowing
Obstruction
Severe Weight Loss
Choking
Location
Substernal
Epigastric
Back radiating to the neck, jaws, ear, or shoulder.
Complications
Metastasis mainly in liver and lung
Hemorrhaging in the heart
Erosion in the heart
Esophageal Perforation
Esophageal Obstruction
Risk For
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Treatment
TPN
Feeding tube
Radiation
Surgery
Esophagoenterostomy
Esophagogastrectomy
Esophagogastrostomy
Esophagectomy
Inadequate Oxygenation
Chemotherapy
Anxiety
Depression/Hopelessness
Leakage
Infection
Diagnosis
Barium Swallow
Computed Topography (CT)
Injury
Intervensions
Daily monitoring of Weight
Maintain I&O record for assessment of patient hydration status.
Assessment of patient for infection/injury
Educate patients who have stents placed that they should eat small meals, stay upright several hours after, and to avoid lying flat.
Patient education on signs of infection
Artificial Ventilation
Encourage and assist patient to turn, cough, and deep breathing.
Encourage patient to eat small, high-calorie, high-protein meals.
Pain
Analgesics may be given to manage pain.
Encourage patient to ask questions in order to correct their education of the illness.
Chest tubes are used for suction of fluid in the thoracic cavity
Electrolyte Imbalance
Encourage patient to socialize and take part in activities
Encourage patient to continue deep breathing exercises and to gradually increase activity.
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