Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Under Supervision
Dr. Noura Elrefaey
Dr. Amira Mohamed
Outlines
Definition
Classification
Definition,Causes,Most Common Site,S&S
Nursing Care Plan
Definition
Intestinal obstruction, also known as bowel obstruction, is a
medical condition characterized by a partial or complete
blockage of the normal flow of contents through the small
intestine or large intestine (colon). This blockage can prevent
the passage of food, fluids, gas, and stool through the digestive
track
Classification
Small intestine
Large intestine
Small intestine
Defintion
Small intestine obstruction, also known as small bowel obstruction, occurs when
there is a partial or complete blockage of the normal flow of contents through the
small intestine. The small intestine is a long and coiled tube that plays a crucial
role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from the food we eat. When
there's an obstruction in the small intestine, it can lead to the accumulation of
fluids, food, and gas upstream from the blockage, causing symptoms such as
severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and the inability
to pass gas or have bowel movements.
Causes
Adhesions: Scar tissue that forms in the abdominal cavity, often as a result of
prior abdominal surgeries, can cause the small intestine to become twisted or
kinked, leading to obstruction.
Hernias: Inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, and incisional hernias can trap a loop
of the small intestine, causing obstruction.
Intussusception: This occurs when one section of the small intestine telescopes
into another section, leading to blockage.
Tumors: Benign or malignant growths in the small intestine can physically
obstruct the passage of intestinal contents.
Strictures: Narrowing of the small intestine due to conditions like Crohn's disease
can result in partial obstruction.
Meconium Ileus: In newborns, a thick, sticky substance called meconium can
block the small intestine.
Foreign Bodies: Ingested foreign objects, such as toys or bezoars (agglomerations
of indigestible material), can block the small intestine
Causes
Colorectal Cancer: Malignant tumors in the colon or rectum can obstruct the
passage of stool.
Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of diverticula (small pouches in the colon)
can lead to an obstruction.
Fecal Impaction: A hardened mass of stool can become lodged in the colon,
leading to a blockage.
Strictures: Narrowing of the colon due to conditions like inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) can result in obstruction.
Colonic Pseudo-obstruction: Also known as Ogilvie's syndrome, this is a condition
where the colon dilates excessively and fails to function properly, mimicking an
obstruction.
Endometriosis: In rare cases, endometriosis can lead to adhesions and blockages
in the colon.
Most Common Site
The most common site for a large intestine (colon) obstruction is the sigmoid
colon. The sigmoid colon is the S-shaped portion of the colon located in the lower
left side of the abdomen, just before the rectum. It is a common site for
obstructions, particularly due to conditions like colorectal cancer, diverticulitis,
and volvulus (twisting of the colon). Obstructions in the sigmoid colon can lead to
symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, and difficulty passing stool.
As evidenced by:
-Reports of cramping
-Restlessness
-Guarding behaviors
-Facial grimacing
Nursing Diagnosis Goal Intervention
Constipation Patient will have a Provide a warm sits bath as
bowel movement appropriate.
at least every 2-3
Related to:
days Encourage hydration. Once the
Inflammation within the
patient is allowed to consume
bowels
fluids, encourage hydration.
Malabsorption
Narrowing of the lumen
Discourage them from drinking
alcohol or caffeine, and educate
As evidenced by:
these fluids can dehydrate them.
Abdominal distention.
Abdominal pain.
Encourage fiber when
Infrequent passage of stool
appropriate. Fiber should be
Straining and discomfort
encouraged to help with
with defecation.
constipation but needs to be
Verbalizes feeling bloated.
introduced very slowly.