Introduction

Intestinal obstruction is significant mechanical impairment or

complete arrest of the passage of contents through the intestine
due to pathology that causes blockage of the bowel.

Digested food particles must travel through 25 feet or more of

intestines as part of normal digestion. These digested wastes are
constantly in motion. However, intestinal obstruction can put a stop
to this.
According to national institute of health, 262 patients were admitted
with intestinal obstruction. The prevalence of intestinal obstruction
was 21.8 % and 4.8 % among patients admitted for acute abdomen
surgery and total surgical admissions, respectively. The mortality
rate was 2.5 % (6 of 262).

In this topic we will tackle about intestinal obstruction, its risk

factors, sign and symptoms the disease process and how treat and
prevent such disease through medical and nursing management.

Definition

Intestinal obstruction is a partial or complete blockage of the bowel

that result of the failure of the intestinal contents to pass through.

Types of intestinal obstruction

1. Mechanical obstruction - Mechanical obstruction may be caused
by an occlusion of the lumen of the intestinal tract from pressure on
the intestinal walls.

2. Functional obstruction - the intestinal musculature cannot propel

the contests along the bowel.

Causes/ risk factor

 People with hernias tumors and fecal impactions

 Volvulus
 Age: usually 65 years old
 Fibrosis
 Cancer within abdomen
 Diverticulitis
 Narrowing of the colon
 Impacted feces
 Crohn’s disease
Pathophysiology

Blockage in the intestine Impairment of the passage of material

through the bowel

Blockage results in distention of the proximal intestine

Necrosis and perforation of the bowel

Activation of local and systemic inflammatory responses and

translocation of bacteria through the wall of the intestine

Symptoms
Symptoms can Include:
  severe abdominal pain
 cramps that come in waves
 bloating
 nausea and vomiting
 diarrhea
 constipation, or inability to have a bowel movement
 inability to pass gas
 distention or swelling of the abdomen
 loud noises from the abdomen
 foul breath

Medical management

Collaborative care:

 Treatment involves placing a nasogastric tube through the nose

into the stomach or intestine to help relieve abdominal
distention and vomiting
 Before surgery, IV infusions that contains saline solution and
potassium should be given to maintain fluid and electrolyte
balance.
 Sigmoidoscopy may successfully reduce a sigmoid volvulus.
Colon decompression catheter maybe passed through partially
obstruction areas via colonoscope to decompress the bowel
before surgery.
Nursing management

 Monitor bowel sounds

 Note color, odor,frequency and consistency of the stool

 Monitor for signs of infections

 Advice to avoid carbonate beverages

 Increase dietary fiber

 High standard of personal hygiene at home and environment

sanitation.

 Decrease emotional stress

Top 3 Diagnosis

 Imbalanced nutrition less than the body requirements related to

intestinal obstruction and vomiting .

 Deficient fluid volume related to decrease in intestinal fluid

absorption and loss fluids secondary to vomiting
 Anxiety related to lack of knowledge about the disease process as
evidence by asking questions.