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Bowel Obstruction — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

No stool/flatus, distension

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Bowel Obstruction on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Types

Key facts

mechanical: adhesions, hernia, tumor
functional: paralytic ileus

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Signs

What to look for

NO stool/flatus, distension
small bowel: ↑pitched then absent
vomiting (fecal if low), cramping

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Report

Notify / act now

fever, ↑HR, ↓BP → strangulation
metabolic alkalosis (high vomiting)
rigid abd, rebound → perforation

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Do

Nursing actions

NPO, NG tube to suction
IV fluids, correct electrolytes
monitor I&O, surgery if needed

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Quick Tip

Small bowel obstruction causes high-pitched hyperactive bowel sounds early, then absent sounds; large bowel obstruction causes gradual onset with marked distention.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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