Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What symptom might indicate a patient with a bowel obstruction?

1. Urinary retention

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Chest pain

4. Shortness of breath

The correct answer is: Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are classic symptoms of a bowel obstruction. When the bowel becomes obstructed, food, fluids, and gas cannot pass through the digestive tract, leading to a buildup of pressure. This buildup stimulates the vomiting reflex as the body attempts to relieve the pressure. Additionally, the obstruction can disrupt normal digestion and cause severe discomfort, often leading to nausea. Other symptoms of bowel obstruction may include abdominal distension, pain, and a change in bowel habits, but nausea and vomiting are particularly indicative of the condition. The other symptoms listed, such as urinary retention, chest pain, and shortness of breath, can occur in various medical conditions but are not specifically associated with bowel obstruction. This makes nausea and vomiting a key symptom in recognizing and diagnosing bowel obstructions.