Bowel Perforation

Question 1

What is bowel perforation and what can it lead to?

Answer 1

this is a surgical emergency where fecal matter, foods, or other substances in the abdominal cavity become infected which leads to peritonitis

Question 2

what are causes of bowel perforation?

Answer 2

ulcer and surgery

Question 3

what are clinical manifestations of bowel perforation?

Answer 3

1. sudden, severe epigastric pain spreading across the abdomen and can radiate to the right shoulder
2. rigid board like abdomen
3. fever

Question 4

what are interventions to hep with a bowel perforation?

Answer 4

1. NG tube for decompression because poop is backing up due to obstruction and you do not want patient to vomit poop
2. surgical repair of the hole
3. monitor for peritonitis
4. frequent pain and v/s assessment