Bowel Obstruction

Patho/Risk Factor

100

This type of bowel obstruction involves physical blockage, such as adhesions or tumors 

What is mechanical obstruction

200

A patient with a history of abdominal surgery is at risk for bowel obstruction due to this common cause

adhesions 

300

This twisting of the bowel is a mechanical cause of obstruction  

volvulus

400

This inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of strictures and obstruction

crohns disease 

500

This type of obstruction is caused by a lack of peristalsis rather than a blockage 

Paralytic ileus (non-mechanical)

Clinical Manifestation

100

This hallmark sound is heard above the obstruction 

what are high pitched bowel sounds

200

This symptom occurs when the patient cannot pass gas or stool

constipation

300

These two vital sign changes may indicate dehydration 

tachycardia and hypotension

400

This abdominal condition often presents with obstruction, is visible, and measurable 

abdominal distension

500

out of these, which is a subjective S/S of bowel obstruction 

1. Abdominal distension

2. high-pitched bowel sounds

3. inability to pass gas

4. visible peristalsis

3. inability to pass gas

Diagnostics and labs

100

this imaging test often reveals air-fluid levels

abdominal x-ray

200

this imaging modality is most specific for identifying the cause and location

CT scan

300

This blood test can be elevated with bowel ischemia

serum lactate

400

Loss of gastric contents via vomiting can lead to this acid-base imbalance 

metabolic alkalosis 

500

A patient gets a CBC specificaly WBC for what reason

to indicate infection, bowel ischemia, or preforation

Nursing Intervention

100

This tube is inserted to decompress the stomach and relieve pressure 

NG tube

200

Keeping the patient in this status allows the bowel to rest

NPO

300

monitoring this output helps track hydration 

I&O

400

you could closely monitor this electrolyte as its loss from vomiting can impair peristalsis

Potassium

500

This surgical intervention may be required for a complete obstruction

bowel resection

medication and education

100

                       Double points

this antiemetic is used to control N/V

what is the most common adverse effect

what is ondansetron (zofran)

 Headache 

200

this therapy corrects fluid and electrolyte imbalances

IV therapy/ IV fluids

300

after NG tube removal patients advance to this type of diet first 

clear liquid 

400

post op patients should be encouraged to do this to stimulate GI motility

Ambulation

500

                               DOUBLE

1. patients should report this early sign of obstruction recurrence

2. this prokinetic drug may be used in paralytic ileus but not in mechanical obstruction 

1. abdominal bloating or pain 

2. metoclopramide (reglan)