Mary Jane Reed

Ileus defined as nonmechanical obstruction of bowel usually secondary to inhibition of peristalsis. Small bowel obstruction defined as mechanical obstruction of small bowel due to adhesions, mass, volvulus or other internal or external compression. Synonyms Ileus: paralytic ileus, adynamic ileus, non mechanical obstruction, intestinal pseudo obstruction Small bowel obstruction: mechanical ileus, obstructive ileus, dynamic ileus…

ABDOMINAL PAIN IN THE ICU 1. Description of the problem Abdominal pain in the ICU patient can be a difficult complaint to investigate because the clinician must determine the extent of the discomfort and whether it portends a serious problem. ICU patients are mostly intubated and sedated and are often postoperative, so determining the significance…