What is the chief complaint associated with small bowel obstruction?

In the case of small bowel obstruction, the chief complaint typically includes a combination of abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. This is due to the nature of the obstruction, which prevents normal passage of intestinal contents, leading to a buildup of material and subsequent distension. The pain often results from the stretching of the bowel and increased pressure. Additionally, as the obstruction progresses, vomiting occurs as the body attempts to rid itself of the accumulated contents, and constipation arises from the inability to pass stool beyond the site of the obstruction.

The combination of abdominal pain, along with the other symptoms, reflects the clinical presentation commonly observed in patients experiencing small bowel obstruction. The incorporation of both nausea and vomiting also signifies the body’s response to the obstruction, where fluid and gas accumulates proximal to the blockage.

Other options do not encapsulate the typical symptomatic profile associated with this condition. Severe back pain is not a primary symptom of small bowel obstruction, but rather relates to other conditions, possibly involving the spine or musculoskeletal system. Similarly, merely having constipation and abdominal pain does not fully represent the acute and complex symptoms observed; vomiting is a key feature. Fever and chills suggest infection or inflammatory processes, which is atypical unless there is a complication, such as bowel perforation