Inspection: Single curve. Everted umbilicus. Bulging flanks when supine. Taut, glistening skin due to recent weight gain and increase in abdominal girth.
Auscultation: Normal bowel sounds over intestines. Diminished over ascitic fluid.
Percussion- Tympany at top where intestines float. Dull over fluid. Produces fluid wave and shifting dullness.
Palpation- Taut skin and increased intra-abdominal pressure limit palpation.
Marked visible peristalsis, together with a distended abdomen
Bowel sounds are hyperactive in early obstruction & hypoactive in late obstruction
Symptoms include vomiting, fever, absence of stool or gas passage, & colicky pain from strong peristalsis above the obstruction
Abdomen is distended & tender to palpation