Question

1) Describe a Bowel Obstruction.

2) Name 3 potential causes of a Bowel Obstruction?

3) Identify 5 signs and symptoms indicative of a Bowel Obstruction?

4) What are 3 complications of a Bowel Obstruction and/or its signs/symptoms?

5) Name 5 nursing interventions for a bowel obstruction and/or the signs and symptoms associated with a Bowel Obstruction.

6) How is pain treated in a patient with a Bowel Obstruction?

7) What are nursing considerations related to controlling pain in a patient with a Bowel Obstruction?

Answer 1

1. It is a gastrointestinal condition in whch the ingested food is prevented from passing out normally through bowel.

2.Three potential causes include: partial or complete blockage of small intestine resulting from hernia. inflammatory boewel disorders, adhesions.

Large bowel obstruction may be due to malignancy, diverticular dseases,and volvulas,

Foreign bodies(objects are swallowed and blocked in the intestine.

Hernias and rarely gallstones.

3.The cardinal features of bowel obstruction are: Abdominal pain(colicky or cramping pain)

Vomitting

Abdominal distension

Absolute constipation

4.Complications include:Sepsis

Ischemia and bowel perforation

5.Nursing Interventions for bowel obstruction: All obstructions can betreated with IV fluids and electrolyte correction.

NG tube is placed to remove fluid and gas backing up in upper digestive tract.

meications given to treat nausea and severe pain.

Assist patient to take dietary fiber at least 20gm.(freash fruits, vegitables,whole grains).

Urge patient for some physical activity and excercise.

Watchful waiting

Therapeutic enema

Asses the level of pain, location,intensity,duration. Provide comfortable measures and position to client and promote restful environment.

Administer analgesics as prescribed by physician.

Monitor patient for signs of dehydration and electrolyte balance and maintain strict intake output chart.

6.To manage pain Opioids andantiemetics usually dopamine antagonists,eg haloperidol can be given IV or SC to relieve pain and nausea.

Antimuscuranic or anticholinergic drugs such as atropine, scopolamine used to manage colicky abdominalpaindue to muscle spasmand bowel wall obstruction.

7.Nurses determine the nature of pain and its impact on the resident

Identify thefactors that affect the resident's perception and expression of pain.

Determining when to administer analgesics.

Pain is a multidimentional therefore assessment must include the intensity,location, duration, and description.To control from pain various interventions include, eliciting relaxation response, guided imagery,Repatterning unhelpful thinking.

These are various measures in controlling pain.