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Pre-Work Case Study: Small Bowel Obstruction
1. Based on the nurse's report, what signs of bowel obstruction does A.G. manifest?
Based on AG’s finding the indication of a bowl obstruction are the abdominal pain, bloating, and
N&V. These are three of the four hallmark signs for a small bowl obstruction (SBO) (Harding,
2020, pp. 945).
2. Are there other signs and symptoms that you should observe for while A.G. is in your
care?
Other signs and symptom that the nurse should pick up is that AG had cancer of the colon, and
had surgery repair of a hernia. Having surgery can be the cause of a SBO, as Harding states “
they can occur within days of surgery or years later” (2020, pp. 945)
3. For each characteristic listed, specify whether it is a characteristic of small-bowel
obstruction (SBO), large bowel obstruction (LBO), or both (B).
a. ____B_ Intermittent lower abdominal cramping
b.
__B_ Abdominal discomfort or pain accompanied by visible peristaltic waves in
the upper and middle abdomen
c. _____LBO__ Upper or epigastric abdominal distention
d. ____sbp__ Distention in the lower abdomen
e. ____LBO_ Obstipation
f. __LBO_ Ribbon-like stools
g. ___sbo Nausea and early, profuse vomiting, which may contain fecal material
h. __LBP_ Minimal or no vomiting
i. __B Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance
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4. What is obstipation?
Harding states that obstipation is “marked change in bowl function, and lack of flatus” (2020, pp.
946).
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