title: A guide to understanding malignant bowel obstruction.
abstract: Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common occurrence in patients with abdominal and pelvic malignancies. MBO is a complex problem that is a result of a cascade of pathophysiological events. For many patients near the end of life, aggressive medical management of this problem is necessary because patients are not candidates for surgery. An assessment and thoughtful examination of options for intervention is important in aligning treatments with patients' goals of care. The palliative care nurse has an important and privileged role in nursing, educating and advocating for patients with MBO. This article reviews the normal and abnormal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract. Advice is provided for the assessment and management of the physical and psychological symptoms of MBO in patients near the end of life.
authors.affiliation: Palliative Care Programme, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E Huron 16 East Feinberg, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. blynch@nmff.org
authors.forename: Bethany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lynch
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sarazine
mesh_terms: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents