Metabolism: Small Bowel Obstruction

Pathophysiology:

Risk Factors:

Collaborative Treatment:

Complications:

Signs and Symptoms:

Diagnostic/Lab Tests:

Etiology: Impacted stool, hernias, twisted intestine, intussusception, post op adhesions, tumors (less common in SBO)

Intestinal inflammation

Abdominal/pelvic surgery

Abdominal or groin hernia

Foreign body

Prior irradiation

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea

Abdominal distenstion

Dehydration

Abdominal x-ray

CT scan

Creatinine/ BUN

CBC

Electrolyte labs

Sepsis

Death

Peritonitis

Aspiration

Fluid restriction

Administer meds: antibiotics, antiemetics, and analgesics

Decompress bowel

Correct any fluid and electrolyte imbalances

The accumulation of GI secretions and air causes the the small intestine above the bowel to dilate

This stimulates the cell secretory activity which causes more fluid accumulation

Peristalsis is increased and can cause frequent stools and flatulence early on which increases distention and increases intraluminal pressure in the bowels

The mucosal lymphatics are compressed, increasing the intraluminal hydrostatic pressure of capillary beds

Fluid and electrolyte absorption decreases causing fluid loss and dehydration, which can later lead to hypovolemia and shock

Impaired movement of the bowel contents that cause an obstruction