Pyloric Stenosis/Intestinal Obstruction

Question 1

what are clinical manifestations for small intestinal obstructions?

Answer 1

1. severe F/E imbalance
2. metabolic alkalosis due to vomiting
3. profuse, sudden projectile vomiting that smells like poop

Question 2

what are clinical manifestations of large intestine obstruction?

Answer 2

1. minor F/E imbaances
2. metabolic acidosis
3. abdominal cramping
4. diarrhea or ribbon like stools that will go around the impaction

Question 3

what clinical manifestations occur in both intestina obstructions?

Answer 3

1. obstipation: inability to pass stool/flatus for >8 hours despite feeling the urge
2. high pitched bowel sounds above site of obstruction (borborygmi)

Question 4

what diagnostic testing can be done to test for intestinal obstruction?

Answer 4

1. x-ray, endoscopy, CT scan
2. increased H&H, BUN, and Crt–> dehydration
3. decreased sodium, chloride, and potassium
4. increased amylase and WBC

Question 5

what interventions can be done to help a patient with an intestinal obstruction?

Answer 5

1. insert NG tube for decompression and set at a low, continuous suctioning
2. keep patient NPO because you do not want to keep piling up food behind the blockage

Question 6

what does pyloric stenosis prevent?

Answer 6

pyloric stenosis prevents emptying of the stomach

Question 7

what are clinical manifestations of pyloric stenosis?

Answer 7

emesis consisting of undigested food

Question 8

how can you diagnose pyloric stenosis?

Answer 8

diagnose via barium swallow study