Diverticula are small, bulging pouches commonly found in the esophagus and large intestine. If we were to pass an endoscope in either of these areas of the GI tract, we would see what appears to be holes. Under closer examination, we can see that these holes lead into pouches. If organic material gets trapped within the diverticula it can cause irritation and even an infection. Although it is extremely rare to see the formation of diverticulum in the esophagus, they can be found within the colon in of all Americans over 50 years of age.

Mr. will, a 67-year-old patient, is postoperative day 2 after a coronary artery bypass graft operation to revascularize his coronary arteries that were significantly blocked. he has a midline incision of his chest and a 7-inch incision on the inner aspect of his right thigh where a saphenous vein graft was harvested and used to vascularize the blocked coronary artery. the surgeon ordered oxycodone 5 mg every 4 hours prn for moderate pain and oxycodone 10 mg every 4 hours prn for severe pain. a. considering the patient's age, what medication administration considerations should the nurse incorporate into the pain management plan and why? b. what measures should the nurse provide the patient to prevent adverse effects of analgesic agents from occurring? c. what nonpharmacologic pain management methods should the nurse teach to mr. will to assist with pain management?