What might indicate a complication from small bowel obstruction?

The indication of a complication from small bowel obstruction is best represented by sepsis and perforation. In the case of a small bowel obstruction, if not resolved, the pressure within the bowel can significantly increase, leading to ischemia and subsequent perforation of the intestinal wall. This can result in the spillage of intestinal contents into the peritoneal cavity, causing peritonitis, which can eventually lead to sepsis if the infection spreads systemically. The development of these serious complications highlights the critical nature of timely intervention in cases of bowel obstruction.

Other conditions listed, such as hypoglycemia and dehydration, may be present due to prolonged vomiting or inability to ingest food, but they do not directly indicate a complication like sepsis and perforation do. Severe headaches and seizures are typically not associated with bowel obstructions, nor is fluid overload and arrhythmias, which would more likely be seen in contexts related to cardiac or renal issues. Therefore, sepsis and perforation are key complications necessitating urgent medical attention in small bowel obstruction scenarios.