Intestinal Obstruction

Question 1

s&s for intestinal obstruction

Answer 1

n/v
cramps
pain
distention
constipation
fever
signs of dehydration

Question 2

acutely ill obstruction symptoms

Answer 2

fever
signs of dehydration

Question 3

small bowel obstruction s&s

Answer 3

-sudden onset of symptoms
-content of vomit will give a clue will obstruction is

Question 4

why is pt. with SBO vomiting?

Answer 4

can’t get down to bottom part of bowel

Question 5

large bowel obstruction s&s

Answer 5

-change in bowel movement
-decrease flatus (gas)
-bloated
-pain

Question 6

most common cause in SBO

Answer 6

-surgical adhesions
-crohns dz (abt 70%)
-cancer

Question 7

most common cause in LBO

Answer 7

colorectal cancer

Question 8

other causes of obstruction

Answer 8

-reduced or absent peristalsis (paralytic ileus)
^can be from neuromuscular or vascular disorder

Question 9

meds

Answer 9

-iv fluids
-antibiotic therapy
-pain meds
-antiemetic (ondansetron, promethazine, dimenhydrinate)

Question 10

lab/ test/endoscopy :

Answer 10

ct scan
abd. xray
CBC
blood chemistry

Question 11

interventions

Answer 11

(post op care)
-HOB up ; respiratory
-NG tube ; mouth care, check lytes
-pain ; think about constipation
-diet + hydration

Question 12

what happens if the bowel is dead?

Answer 12

remove that part, if the other parts clean, anastomosis (attach together)

Question 13

what happens if bowel is dead and the part next to the removed section is not clean?

Answer 13

colostomy/ileostomy until healed, do a reversal, then anastomosis