Week 5 - Bowel Obstruction Flashcards
what is intestinal obstruction
- partial or complete obstruction of the intestine
what does bowel obstruction cause
- prevents intestinal contents from passing thru the GI tract
what are categories of causes of bowel obstruction
- mechanical : something blocking
- nonmechanical = neuromuscular or vascular disorder cause
what are some mechanical causes of bowel obstruction (3)
- adhesions
- cancer
- hernia
what are some nonmechanical causes of obstruction (2)
- paralytic ileus
- emboli
what can cause paralytic ileus (4)
- postop
- electrolyte abnormalities
- inflamm. disorders
- spinal injuries
where can bowel obstructions occur
- small or large bowel
what does intestinal obstruction cause
- accumulation of fluid, gas, and intestinal contents = distension
- distension = reduced absorption of fluids and stim of intestinal secretions
- increased P = fluids into peritoneal cavity
- fluid in peritoneal cavity = hypovolemic shock
- impaired blood supply = necrosis
- no absorption of electrolytes = imbalances
onset is sm. vs large intestinal obstruction
- small = rapid
- large = gradual
vomitting in small vs large intestinal obstruction
- small = frequent, copious, projectile
- large = vomitting in late stages
describe pain in small vs large intestinal obstruction
- small - colicky (sharp), cramplike, intermittent
- large = low grade, cramping, abdominal pain
BM in small vs large intestinal obstruction
- small = feces for short time
- large = absolute constipation
describe abdominal distension in small vs large intestinal blockage
- small = mild/mod
- large = greatly increased
describe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in small vs large intestinal obstruction
- small = rapid dehydration (no chance for water reabsorption)
- large = dehydration & electrolyte imbalances do not occur early in
what are general symptoms of intestinal blockage (6)
- NV
- abdominal pain
- distension
- inability to pass gas
- obstipation
- high pitched BS above obstruction