What is a likely finding in the nurse's assessment of a patient who has a large bowel obstruction?

Choice A rationale

Referred back pain is not a hallmark of large bowel obstruction. It typically occurs in conditions with retroperitoneal organ involvement, such as renal or pancreatic pathology. Large bowel obstruction presents primarily with abdominal distention and pain localized to the affected bowel segment due to obstruction-induced pressure and stretching.

Choice B rationale

Abdominal distention is a classic sign of large bowel obstruction. Accumulated gas and stool proximal to the obstruction result in bloating and visible distention. This presentation reflects impaired bowel motility, pressure build-up, and reduced passage of contents, commonly seen in large bowel pathology.

Choice C rationale

Projectile vomiting is more indicative of upper GI obstruction, such as pyloric stenosis, due to immediate pressure effects. Large bowel obstructions manifest with late vomiting as distal obstruction delays content passage. Vomiting in this case is less forceful and often accompanied by fecal material.

Choice D rationale

Metabolic alkalosis is more associated with vomiting-related losses of gastric acid, as seen in upper GI pathology. Large bowel obstruction typically leads to metabolic acidosis from ischemia or bacterial overgrowth, not alkalosis, as the obstruction hampers normal bowel function and circulation.