Modules 8, 9, & 10
*Please note this is just to be used as a guide. You are responsible for all material
covered in class*
*Review all concepts related to the topics*
Disease/syndromes/problems (For each one, know the following: definition/causes/risks/sign
and symptoms/labs/treatment/possible complications/multidimensional care)
Chapter 56 Non-inflammatory intestinal disorders
Labs, Obstructions-mechanical; non-mechanical, IBS, Colon cancer, colostomy,
colostomy care, abdominal hernias, hemorrhoids, Malabsorption syndrome
Laboratory Studies:
• Complete blood count – to determine the presence of infection or bleeding
• C-reactive protein (CRP) – to determine the presence of inflammation
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – to determine the presence of inflammation
• Liver function test – to determine the elevation of enzymes as result of hepatic
inflammation
• Stool culture – to determine the presence of blood and parasites
• Serum Chemistry tests – to determine electrolyte imbalances
• Serum Bilirubin – to determine the ability to metabolize bilirubin
• Coagulation studies – to determine clotting ability
• Serological test – to determine the specific virus causing the hepatitis
• Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) – to determine the presence of colorectal cancer
Diagnostic Studies:
• Computed tomography – to determine distention, abscess or perforation
• Magnetic resonance enterorrhaphy – to determine changes in the
bowel lumen, wall, and mesentery; also assesses bowel motility
• Ultrasound – to determine abnormalities in organs and blood flow
• Colonoscopy – to determine abnormalities in the colon
• Sigmoidoscopy – to determine abnormalities of the sigmoid colon
• Biopsy – removal of tissues in order to determine the presence of malignancy
• Barium enema – may reveal irregularities or narrowing of the colon or wall thickening
• Abdominal x-ray – may reveal enlarged organs, free air or fluid in the abdominal cavity
-Red blood cell life: 90-120 days
,-WBC life: 13-17 days
, Obstructions
-Intestinal contents continue to accumulate above the obstruction which results in
the distention of the abdomen. Results in decreased absorption of fluid and
electrolytes.
Mechanical Obstruction: The bowel is physically blocked by problems outside of
the intestine (adhesions), in the bowel wall (Crohn’s disease), or in the intestinal
lumen (tumors).
• Complications of appendicitis
• Hernias
• Fecal impactions
• Intussusception: telescoping of a segment of the intestine within itself
• Volvulus (twisting of intestine)
Nonmechanical: (paralytic ileus or a dynamic ileus) peristalsis is decreased or absent as a
result
of neuromuscular disturbance, resulting in a slowing of the movement or a backup
of intestinal contents.
• Complication of surgery: day 3/4, no bowel sounds
• Hypokalemia
Signs and Symptoms
• Obstipation: severe constipation
• Abdominal distention
• Peristaltic waves
• Borborygmic: gurgling or rumbling noise
• High-pitched bowel sounds/none at all
• Tachycardia
• Hypokalemia
Complications
• Metabolic alkalosis/acidosis
• Hypovolemia
• Peritonitis (more so from strangulated obstruction)
• Septic Shock
• Increased intrabdominal pressure or ACS
Interventions
Non-surgical management
o NG tube: at least every 4 hours, assess the patient with an NGT
for proper placement, tube patency, and output (quality and