This exercise will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Exercise 1 - Question 1
Describe the pathophysiology of an intestinal obstruction as well as the associated fluid
and electrolyte imbalances.
Your Answer
...
This exercise will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Exercise 1 - Question 1
Describe the pathophysiology of an intestinal obstruction as well as the associated fluid
and electrolyte imbalances.
Your Answer:
Intestinal obstructions can be partial or complete and are classified as mechanical or
nonmechanical. With either condition, elimination is compromised by this common and
serious disorder.
Fluid and electrolyte balance. Obstipation (no passage of stool) and failure to pass
flatus are signs of elimination concerns associated with complete obstruction; diarrhea
may be present in partial obstruction
During an obstruction, the intestinal contents accumulate at and above the area of
obstruction. Intestinal distention results from the intestine’s inability to absorb the
contents and mobilize them down the intestinal tract. Peristalsis increases in an effort to
move the contents forward. This increase stimulates more secretions, which then leads
to additional distention. The bowel then becomes edematous, and increased
permeability results. Plasma leaking into the peritoneal cavity and fluid trapped in the
intestinal lumen decrease the absorption of fluid and electrolytes into the vascular
space. Reduced circulatory blood volume (hypovolemia) and electrolyte imbalances
typically occur. An obstruction high in the small intestine causes a loss of gastric
hydrochloride and leads to metabolic alkalosis. Obstruction below the duodenum but
above the large bowel results in loss of both acids and bases and thus there usually are
no acid-base imbalances. Obstruction at the end of the small intestine causes loss of
alkaline fluids, which can lead to metabolic acidosis.
Question 2
Not yet graded / 1 pts
Exercise 1 - Question 2
Compare and contrast a mechanical and nonmechanical intestinal obstruction.
Your Answer:
In mechanical obstruction, the bowel is physically blocked by problems outside the
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