Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary characteristic of a bowel obstruction?
What is the primary characteristic of a bowel obstruction?
- Overproduction of digestive enzymes leading to rapid digestion.
- Blockage in the bowel stopping or reducing the passage of fecal material. (correct)
- Increased absorption of nutrients in the bowel.
- Inflammation of the bowel lining causing increased motility.
Which of the following is classified as a mechanical cause of bowel obstruction?
Which of the following is classified as a mechanical cause of bowel obstruction?
- Paralytic ileus due to nerve damage.
- Neuromuscular disorders affecting bowel motility.
- Adhesions or scar tissue from previous abdominal surgery. (correct)
- Vascular disorders that reduce blood flow to the intestines.
Why does increased pressure from intestinal contents, fluid, and gas obstruct arterial blood flow in the context of a bowel obstruction?
Why does increased pressure from intestinal contents, fluid, and gas obstruct arterial blood flow in the context of a bowel obstruction?
- Increased pressure forces blood to bypass the affected area, reducing arterial blood flow.
- The pressure stimulates the release of vasodilators that impair arterial function.
- Increased pressure leads to vasodilation, causing blood to pool and obstruct flow.
- The pressure directly compresses arterial walls, diminishing blood supply. (correct)
What is a potential consequence of obstructed arterial blood flow in bowel obstruction pathophysiology?
What is a potential consequence of obstructed arterial blood flow in bowel obstruction pathophysiology?
Why might a patient with a bowel obstruction experience frequent, small, liquid stools?
Why might a patient with a bowel obstruction experience frequent, small, liquid stools?
What does the presence of high-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction and absent bowel sounds below the obstruction indicate?
What does the presence of high-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction and absent bowel sounds below the obstruction indicate?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is most useful for visualizing the location and nature of a bowel obstruction?
Which of the following diagnostic tests is most useful for visualizing the location and nature of a bowel obstruction?
What is the primary goal of medical management in a patient with a bowel obstruction?
What is the primary goal of medical management in a patient with a bowel obstruction?
What is the purpose of using a nasogastric (NG) tube in the collaborative interventions for bowel obstruction?
What is the purpose of using a nasogastric (NG) tube in the collaborative interventions for bowel obstruction?
Why is keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) a necessary intervention for bowel obstruction?
Why is keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) a necessary intervention for bowel obstruction?
When is surgical intervention typically considered in the management of a bowel obstruction?
When is surgical intervention typically considered in the management of a bowel obstruction?
What is a key evaluation criterion to determine the effectiveness of interventions for a bowel obstruction?
What is a key evaluation criterion to determine the effectiveness of interventions for a bowel obstruction?
What is the initial physiological response to a bowel obstruction that leads to increased intestinal distention?
What is the initial physiological response to a bowel obstruction that leads to increased intestinal distention?
What specific type of abdominal surgery increases the risk of adhesions leading to mechanical bowel obstruction?
What specific type of abdominal surgery increases the risk of adhesions leading to mechanical bowel obstruction?
Which of the following clinical manifestations would most directly indicate a worsening of a bowel obstruction?
Which of the following clinical manifestations would most directly indicate a worsening of a bowel obstruction?
In addition to correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, why is it important to manage pain in patients with bowel obstruction?
In addition to correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances, why is it important to manage pain in patients with bowel obstruction?
What laboratory finding would the nurse anticipate when assessing a patient with a small bowel obstruction experiencing persistent vomiting?
What laboratory finding would the nurse anticipate when assessing a patient with a small bowel obstruction experiencing persistent vomiting?
A patient with a complete bowel obstruction is at risk for hypovolemic shock. Which assessment finding is most indicative of this complication?
A patient with a complete bowel obstruction is at risk for hypovolemic shock. Which assessment finding is most indicative of this complication?
What intervention should the nurse prioritize to prevent skin breakdown in a patient with a bowel obstruction who is experiencing frequent vomiting and diarrhea?
What intervention should the nurse prioritize to prevent skin breakdown in a patient with a bowel obstruction who is experiencing frequent vomiting and diarrhea?
What would you expect to find on an abdominal X-ray of a patient with a small bowel obstruction?
What would you expect to find on an abdominal X-ray of a patient with a small bowel obstruction?
Flashcards
Bowel Obstruction
Bowel Obstruction
A blockage in the bowel that stops or reduces the passage of fecal material.
Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)
Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO)
A type of bowel obstruction specifically affecting the small intestine.
Mechanical Causes of Bowel Obstruction
Mechanical Causes of Bowel Obstruction
Adhesions or scar tissue that form after abdominal surgery, increasing the risk of bowel obstruction.
Nonmechanical Causes of Bowel Obstruction
Nonmechanical Causes of Bowel Obstruction
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Pathophysiology of Bowel Obstruction
Pathophysiology of Bowel Obstruction
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Complications of Bowel Obstruction
Complications of Bowel Obstruction
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Common Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction
Common Symptoms of Bowel Obstruction
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Stool Characteristics in Bowel Obstruction
Stool Characteristics in Bowel Obstruction
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Bowel Sounds in Bowel Obstruction
Bowel Sounds in Bowel Obstruction
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Diagnostic Tests for Bowel Obstruction
Diagnostic Tests for Bowel Obstruction
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Lab Tests for Bowel Obstruction
Lab Tests for Bowel Obstruction
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Goals of Medical Management
Goals of Medical Management
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NG Tube for Bowel Obstruction
NG Tube for Bowel Obstruction
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Bowel Obstruction: NPO
Bowel Obstruction: NPO
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Study Notes
- Study notes about nursing care of the patient with a bowel obstruction.
Bowel Obstruction Introduction
- Blockage in the bowel stops or reduces the passage of fecal material.
- Small Bowel Obstruction (SBO).
Bowel Obstruction Etiology
- Mechanical causes include adhesions/scar tissue, which increases risk with previous abdominal surgery.
- Nonmechanical causes include vascular or neuromuscular disorders.
- Paralytic ileus is a nonmechanical cause.
Bowel Obstruction Pathophysiology
- Intestinal contents, fluid, and gas collect proximal to the obstruction, causing increased distension and pressure.
- Increased pressure obstructs arterial blood flow.
- Bowel becomes edematous, and peritonitis can develop, leading to hypovolemic shock and bowel necrosis.
Bowel Obstruction Clinical Manifestations
- Abdominal distension and cramping abdominal pain are clinical manifestations.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Frequent, small, liquid stools may occur, often from partial large bowel obstruction.
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
- High pitched bowel sounds can be heard above the obstruction and absent sounds below obstruction.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Signs of dehydration, fever, and tachycardia.
Bowel Obstruction: Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
- Testing can include abdominal x-ray and CT scan.
- Other tests include endoscopy.
- CBC, serum electrolytes, PT and PTT are evaluated.
- Stool samples may be taken for occult blood.
Medical Management
- Medical management of correcting fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
- Relieving obstruction
Bowel Obstruction Collaborative Interventions
- NG tube to relieve abdominal pressure.
- Medical intervention, NPO (nothing by mouth).
- Laxatives or stool softeners may be used.
- Correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
- Possible surgical removal of obstruction (bowel resection).
- Pain management.
Bowel Obstruction Evaluation
- Evaluation includes return of bowel function.
- Patient has minimal pain.
- Improved nutritional status, fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Appropriate coping mechanisms.
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