A patient has been admitted to the hospital with a possible bowel obstruction. Which assessment finding would alert the healthcare professional that the obstruction is in the small vs. large intestine?
A)Profuse vomiting of clear gastric fluids
B)Vague dull hypogastric pain without vomiting
C)Colicky pain caused by distention, followed by vomiting
D)Excruciating pain, vomiting, and fever

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Colicky pain, sometimes occurring in peristaltic waves, followed by distention then vomiting, characterizes an obstruction of the small intestine. Profuse vomiting of clear gastric fluids indicates an obstruction at the pylorus. Vague pain without vomiting may indicate a large intestine obstruction as vomiting is seen late in the condition. A fever in the presence of abdominal pain and vomiting probably indicates a perforation of the bowel.

A Patient Has Been Admitted to the Hospital with a Possible