K.N.O.W. Home Health - BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

BOWEL OBSTRUCTION

What is a Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction means something is blocking your intestines (bowels). The intestines are like a long tube inside your belly that helps move food and waste through your body. If there is a blockage, food and waste can’t move through like they should.

🚫 What Causes a Bowel Obstruction?

Scar tissue from old surgeries

Hernias (when part of the bowel pushes through a weak spot in the belly)

Tumors or cancer

Twisting of the intestines

Hard poop (constipation)

Swelling or infection

💊 How is it Treated?

Treatment depends on how bad the blockage is:

Hospital stay: You may need to stay in the hospital.

No food or drink by mouth: Your belly needs rest.

IV fluids: You’ll get water and medicine through a vein.

NG tube (nasogastric tube): A tube through your nose to your stomach to suck out extra fluid and gas.

Surgery: If the blockage doesn’t go away, doctors may do surgery to fix it.

⚠️ Special Precautions

Do not eat or drink unless your doctor says it's okay.

Follow the care team’s instructions carefully.

Avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise after surgery.

Always tell your doctor if your belly pain comes back.

🍎 Special Diet

After a bowel obstruction, your doctor may start you on:

1. Clear liquids – water, broth, clear juices

2. Soft foods – mashed potatoes, oatmeal, applesauce

3. Then move to regular food slowly, as your doctor allows

Eat small meals and chew well. Avoid foods that are hard to digest like corn, nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables until your doctor says it’s okay.

🧑‍⚕️ When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if you:

Feel bloated or full

Have belly pain that’s not going away

Are throwing up (vomiting)

Can’t poop or pass gas

Have a fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C)

Have swelling in your belly

🚨 When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if you:

Have severe belly pain

Are throwing up dark green, yellow, or bloody stuff

Feel very weak or dizzy

Can’t stop vomiting

Can’t pass gas for more than 2 days

📝 Patient Homework/Assessment: Bowel Obstruction (Circle True or False and correct False Statements)

1. True / False – A bowel obstruction is when something blocks your intestines.

2. True / False – It’s okay to eat regular food if you feel hungry during a bowel obstruction.

3. True / False – Scar tissue from old surgeries can cause a bowel blockage.

4. True / False – Throwing up and belly swelling are signs of a bowel obstruction.

5. True / False – An NG tube goes into your ear to help you hear better.

6. True / False – If your doctor says so, you may start eating clear liquids first after a blockage.

7. True / False – You should wait 5 days without pooping before telling your doctor.

8. True / False – A bowel obstruction always needs surgery right away.

9. True / False – A soft food diet might be used after a bowel blockage.

10. True / False – If you feel dizzy and weak with belly pain, you should go to the ER.

11. True / False – Your doctor may give you IV fluids to help during a blockage.

12. True / False – You should always follow your doctor’s or nurse’s instructions carefully.

13. True / False – Raw vegetables and nuts are easy to digest after a bowel obstruction.

14. True / False – You can go back to regular food right away after a blockage.

15. True / False – Belly pain that doesn’t go away is a reason to call your nurse or doctor.

16. True / False – You should rest and avoid heavy lifting after surgery.

17. True / False – You can drink soda and eat popcorn right after a bowel obstruction.

18. True / False – A hernia can sometimes cause a bowel blockage.

19. True / False – Passing gas and poop means your bowels are working again.

20. True / False – It’s not a problem if you throw up green liquid with belly pain.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

When did you first notice symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, and how have they changed over time?

How severe is your abdominal pain, and does it affect your daily activities such as eating, walking, or sleeping?

Have you noticed any changes in your bowel movements, such as difficulty passing stool or gas, and how often do these occur?

Are you currently following any treatments, medications, or dietary restrictions prescribed for your bowel obstruction, and how effective are they in relieving your symptoms?