Which signs are commonly associated with a bowel obstruction?

• A. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, decreased stool
• B. Chest pain and shortness of breath
• C. Diarrhea and dehydration
• D. Fever and cough

Answer: (A)

Bowel obstruction occurs when the intestinal passage is blocked, causing gas and fluid to accumulate proximal to the blockage. This buildup stretches the intestines, leading to abdominal distention, and triggers vomiting as contents back up toward the stomach. Because stool and gas can't move past the obstruction, stools become infrequent or absent (obstipation). These signs—nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and decreased stool—fit the classic presentation of an obstruction. The other options describe symptoms more typical of heart or lung issues, gastroenteritis or dehydration, or respiratory infection, which do not reflect the blockage pattern seen with a bowel obstruction.