Ileus and Metabolic Causes Quiz

Nausea and vomiting with a soft, distended abdomen, decreased bowel sounds, and gaseous distension of small and large bowels

Presence of gas in the colon and rectum and absence of air fluid levels is evidence against small bowel obstruction

In the absence of obvious obstruction and no history of surgery, metabolic causes are most likely.

<p>Hypokalemia can cause paralytic ileus</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Loop diuretics can produce hypokalemia and hyponatremia</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Parenteral potassium replacement is necessary in patients unable to tolerate oral intake, such as those with dysfunctional bowel or cardiac or neurologic complications of hypokalemia</p> Signup and view all the answers