Topic 7: Intestinal Obstruction Flashcards
Partial obstructions
do not completely occlude the intestinal lumen, allowing for some fluid and gas to pass through
Complete obstructions
totally occludes the lumen and usually requires surgery
simple vs strangulated obstruction
Simple obstruction has an intact blood supply; a strangulated one does not
Mechanical obstruction
a physical obstruction of the intestinal lumen
Nonmechanical obstruction
occurs reduced or absent peristalsis due to altered neuromuscular transmission of the parasympathetic innervation to the bowel
Pseudo-obstruction
a mechanical obstruction without any cause found on radiologic imaging
proximal to the obstruction…
Fluid, gas, and intestinal contents accumulate
distal to the obstruction
the bowel empties and then collapses. Eventually, the intestinal muscle becomes fatigued and peristalsis stops.
4 hallmark clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction
· Abdominal pain ( Colicky-type pain)
· Nausea and vomiting (fluid and electrolyte imbalances)
· Distention
· Constipation
what kind of bowel sounds are heard proximal to the obstruction
hyperactive
diagnostic studies
· Imaging can identify the obstruction
· Abdominal x-ray
· CT scan
Contrast enema
treatment for a strangulated obstruction
need emergency surgery to relieve the obstruction and survive
· Surgery to resect the obstructed segment of the bowel and anastomosing the remaining healthy segment of the bowel
treatment for obstruction
· Place patient on NPO
· Provide IV fluid therapy with either normal saline or lactated ringers
· IV antiemetics
· If needed, insert an NG tube for DECOMPRESSION and give ordered electrolyte replacement
High intestinal obstruction is more likely to have…
metabolic alkalosis
low intestinal obstructions are more likely to have..
metabolic acidosis
