Small Bowel Obstruction

Question 1

What is the definition of intestinal obstruction?

Answer 1

Partial or complete obstruction of the small or large bowel that stops normal digestive processing.

Question 2

What are the names of the subtypes of obstruction?

Answer 2

Mechanical 
Paralytic 
Acute 
Chronic 
Paritial 
Complete

Question 3

What is the definition of mechanical obstruction?

Answer 3

Physical obstruction with a mass or narrowing

Question 4

What is the definition of paralytic obstruction?

Answer 4

Halted peristalsis

Question 5

What is the definition of acute obstruction?

Answer 5

Rapid onset of symptoms

Question 6

What is the definition of chronic obstruction?

Answer 6

Repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction due to an ongoing risk factor

Question 7

What is the definition of partial obstruction?

Answer 7

Slowing of bowel contents. Partially open lumen

Question 8

What is the definition of complete obstruction?

Answer 8

Back up of intestine contents due to total occlusion of lumen.

Question 9

Which 2 bowel structures may a high small bowel obstruction occur in?

Answer 9

Jejunum

Duodenum

Question 10

Which 2 bowel structures may a low small bowel obstruction occur in?

Answer 10

Jejunum

Ileum

Question 11

What are the two types of small bowel lesions?

Answer 11

Intrinsic

Extrinsic

Question 12

What is an intrinsic bowel lesion?

Answer 12

Obstruction involving bowel wall

Question 13

What is an extrinsic bowel lesion?

Answer 13

Obstruction external to bowel

Question 14

What are the 4 types of mechanical obstruction?

Answer 14

Adhesions
Intussusception
Volvulus
Incarcerated inguinal hernia

Question 15

Describe a intussusception bowel obstruction

Answer 15

Wall of bowel folds in on itself

Question 16

Describe a volvulus bowel obstruction

Answer 16

Wall of bowel twists

Question 17

What does pressure on the lymphatic vessels during bowel obstruction result in?

Answer 17

Interstitial fluid forced into lumen of gut adding to pressure
Forcing fluid into peritoneal space

Question 18

In bowel obstruction what causes further distention of the abdomen?

Answer 18

Metabolism of the increasing number of bacteria producing increased gas.