Nursing Care Plan: Managing Acute Abdominal Pain from Distension

Acute abdominal pain is a common reason patients seek medical care. When accompanied by abdominal distension, it can be particularly concerning and uncomfortable. As a nurse, developing a comprehensive care plan is essential for effectively assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients with this condition. This article will provide an in-depth look at the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, nursing assessment, diagnoses, interventions, and evaluation involved in caring for patients with acute abdominal pain and distension.

Understanding Acute Abdominal Pain and Distension

To properly care for patients with acute abdominal pain and distension, it’s important to have a solid grasp of the underlying causes and how they manifest clinically.

Pathophysiology: Common Causes of Abdominal Distension

Abdominal distension occurs when the abdomen becomes enlarged and swollen. This can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Bowel obstruction: When the small or large intestine becomes fully or partially blocked, gas, fluid, and digested material can accumulate, causing the abdomen to swell. Adhesions from prior surgeries, hernias, tumors, and twisting of the intestines can all lead to obstructions.
• Gas: Swallowing excess air, eating gas-producing foods, carbonated beverages, and conditions like lactose intolerance and celiac disease can cause gas to build up in the digestive tract, leading to bloating and distension.
• Ascites: This refers to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often related to liver disease, cancer, heart failure, or kidney problems. As fluid collects, the abdomen becomes progressively distended.

Other conditions like pregnancy, weight gain, and tumors can also cause the abdomen to enlarge and become distended over time. Identifying the underlying cause is key to developing an appropriate treatment plan.

Clinical Manifestations: Signs and Symptoms

When a patient has acute abdominal pain and distension, they may exhibit various signs and symptoms that can help guide your assessment and diagnosis:

• Pain: The hallmark symptom, abdominal pain can range from mild to severe. Patients may describe it as crampy, colicky, aching, or stabbing. The location can vary based on the underlying cause.
• Tenderness: Palpating the abdomen often elicits tenderness, especially over the area of distension or underlying pathology. Patients may guard or tense their abdominal muscles to avoid pain during your exam.
• Rigidity: In some cases, the abdominal muscles may become rigid and board-like, a sign of peritoneal inflammation that requires immediate attention. This is often seen with conditions like appendicitis or perforated ulcers.
• Nausea and vomiting: Patients may feel nauseated or vomit, especially if there is a bowel obstruction or severe inflammation. Vomiting can lead to dehydration if prolonged.
• Constipation: Depending on the cause, patients may not have had a bowel movement for days or may be passing small, hard stools. An obstruction or impacted stool can cause constipation.
• Changes in bowel sounds: You may hear high-pitched, hyperactive bowel sounds with a partial obstruction or complete silence with an ileus or late-stage obstruction.

Other symptoms like fever, chills, bloating, belching, flatulence, diarrhea, and heartburn may also occur based on the underlying condition. Always consider the full clinical picture when assessing your patient.

Nursing Assessment

When a patient presents with acute abdominal pain and distension, obtaining a thorough history and performing a comprehensive physical exam are crucial first steps. Here’s what your nursing assessment should include:

Comprehensive Pain Assessment

Since pain is often the primary complaint, you’ll want to fully characterize your patient’s pain using a standardized pain scale like the numeric rating scale (NRS) or FACES scale. Ask about:

• Location: Where is the pain located? Does it radiate anywhere else?
• Intensity: On a scale of 0-10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable, how would you rate your pain?
• Quality: Can you describe the pain? Is it sharp, dull, crampy, burning, etc.?
• Onset: When did the pain start? Was it sudden or gradual?
• Provoking/palliating factors: Does anything make the pain better or worse? Have you taken any medications?

Document the patient’s pain score before and after any interventions to gauge their effectiveness.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Check the patient’s vital signs, including:

• Heart rate: Tachycardia may indicate pain, dehydration, or sepsis
• Blood pressure: Hypotension could signify dehydration, blood loss, or shock
• Respiratory rate: Tachypnea may be a response to pain or acidosis
• Temperature: Fever could indicate an infectious process

Any abnormalities in vital signs should be promptly addressed and closely monitored.

Abdominal Assessment

Perform a focused abdominal exam using inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation (IAPP):

• Inspection: Observe the abdomen for distension, asymmetry, scars, lesions, discoloration, and visible peristalsis. Note any guarding or splinting.
• Auscultation: Listen for bowel sounds in all four quadrants. Note if they are normal, hypoactive, hyperactive, or absent. Identify any bruits or friction rubs.
• Percussion: Percuss all four quadrants to assess for tympany (gas) or dullness (fluid or solid mass). Percuss liver borders to check for hepatomegaly.
• Palpation: Lightly palpate all four quadrants, noting any tenderness, guarding, rigidity, or masses. Assess for rebound tenderness and referred pain. Palpate the liver and spleen.

Document your findings and any abnormalities. The location and characteristics of pain and tenderness can provide clues to the underlying diagnosis.

Identifying Underlying Causes

To determine the potential causes of your patient’s acute abdominal pain and distension, gather additional information about:

• Past medical/surgical history: Has the patient had any prior abdominal surgeries, trauma, or chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, or liver disease?
• Medications: Is the patient taking any medications that could cause constipation, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal bleeding?
• Social history: Does the patient smoke, drink alcohol, or use illicit drugs? These could contribute to conditions like gastritis, pancreatitis, or intestinal ischemia.
• Family history: Are there any family members with a history of gastrointestinal disorders, hernias, or colorectal cancer?
• Diet: Has the patient consumed any potentially contaminated food or have a history of food intolerances?
• Recent travel: Has the patient traveled anywhere where they could have acquired a foodborne or parasitic infection?

This information, along with any relevant diagnostic tests (e.g. abdominal x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, labs), can help determine the underlying cause of your patient’s symptoms and guide your nursing diagnoses and interventions.

Nursing Diagnoses

Based on your assessment findings, you may identify several nursing diagnoses for a patient with acute abdominal pain and distension. Some common ones include:

Acute Pain

Acute pain related to abdominal distension as evidenced by:

• Reports of severe, crampy abdominal pain (8/10 on NRS)
• Guarding and rigidity upon palpation of the abdomen
• Facial grimacing and restlessness
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

Impaired Gas Exchange

Impaired gas exchange related to abdominal distension as evidenced by:

• Tachypnea with respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
• Oxygen saturation of 92% on room air
• Diminished lung sounds in the bases bilaterally
• Abdominal distension limiting diaphragmatic excursion

Anxiety

Anxiety related to pain and uncertainty as evidenced by:

• Verbalized concerns about the cause of abdominal pain
• Fearfulness and restlessness
• Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
• Difficulty concentrating and following commands

Imbalanced Nutrition

Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to:

• Nausea and vomiting limiting oral intake
• Abdominal pain and distension affecting appetite
• Potential malabsorption from underlying condition
• Unintentional weight loss of 10 lbs in the past month

These nursing diagnoses help identify the priority problems that need to be addressed in your nursing care plan. You may identify additional diagnoses based on your patient’s specific situation.

Nursing Interventions

Once you’ve identified the relevant nursing diagnoses, you can develop a care plan with specific nursing interventions tailored to your patient’s needs. Here are some key interventions to consider:

Pain Management

Effective pain management is crucial for promoting comfort and healing. This may involve both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions:

• Pharmacologic interventions: Administer analgesics as ordered by the provider. This may include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, or opioids depending on the severity of pain and underlying condition. Monitor for effectiveness and any adverse effects. Antispasmodics like dicyclomine may also be given for crampy pain related to bowel spasms.
• Non-pharmacologic interventions: Employ non-drug techniques to help alleviate pain and promote relaxation. This may include:
  • Positioning: Help the patient find a comfortable position that reduces strain on the abdomen, such as sitting up with knees bent or side-lying with pillows between the legs.
  • Relaxation techniques: Teach and encourage the use of deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to reduce pain and anxiety.
  • Heat/cold therapy: Apply a warm compress or heating pad to the abdomen to relax muscles and promote circulation. Cold therapy may be used to numb pain and reduce inflammation.

Gastrointestinal Interventions

Depending on the underlying cause of the patient’s abdominal distension, various interventions may be necessary to promote normal bowel function and alleviate symptoms:

• Dietary modifications: If the patient is able to tolerate oral intake, provide clear liquids or a low-residue diet to rest the bowel and reduce distension. Avoid foods that may exacerbate symptoms like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat or spicy foods.
• Medications: Administer medications as ordered to promote bowel motility, reduce nausea, or treat underlying conditions. This may include:
  • Prokinetics like metoclopramide to stimulate gastric emptying
  • Antiemetics like ondansetron or promethazine for nausea and vomiting
  • Laxatives or stool softeners for constipation
  • Antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth or infections
• Nasogastric tube: If the patient has a bowel obstruction or severe distension, a nasogastric (NG) tube may be inserted to decompress the stomach and remove excess air and fluid. Monitor output and keep the tube patent.
• Rectal tube: In some cases, a rectal tube may be inserted to relieve distension and promote the passage of gas and stool. This is typically a temporary measure.

Comfort Measures

In addition to pain management, there are several other comfort measures you can provide:

• Positioning: As mentioned earlier, helping the patient find a comfortable position can reduce discomfort and promote rest. Elevating the head of the bed may also reduce reflux and nausea.
• Oral care: If the patient is NPO or has been vomiting, provide frequent oral care with a soft toothbrush or moistened swabs to prevent dry mouth and promote hygiene.
• Skin care: Keep the skin clean and dry, especially if the patient has been sweating or has had diarrhea. Apply barrier creams as needed to prevent breakdown.
• Emotional support: Provide reassurance and a calm, supportive presence. Encourage the patient to express their feelings and concerns. Offer diversional activities as appropriate.

Patient Education

Throughout the patient’s stay, provide ongoing education about their condition, treatment plan, and post-discharge care^[5]. This may include:

• Explaining the underlying cause of their abdominal pain and distension in simple terms
• Reviewing the purpose and side effects of medications
• Demonstrating and reinforcing proper use of pain scales and non-pharmacologic pain management techniques
• Providing written instructions for diet, activity, and follow-up care
• Teaching signs and symptoms to report to the provider (e.g. worsening pain, fever, vomiting, no bowel movement)

Effective patient education can help reduce anxiety, promote adherence to the treatment plan, and prevent complications after discharge.

Evaluation

Ongoing evaluation is essential to determine the effectiveness of your nursing interventions and the patient’s progress towards desired outcomes. This may include:

Pain Assessment

Regularly assess the patient’s pain using the same pain scale throughout their stay. Document their pain score before and after interventions. Notify the provider if pain is not adequately controlled or if there are any significant changes.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs at regular intervals and report any abnormalities. Trends in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature can provide valuable information about the patient’s condition.

Evaluation of Other Outcomes

Assess the patient’s progress towards other desired outcomes, such as:

• Improvement in bowel function (e.g. passing gas, having a bowel movement)
• Reduction in nausea and vomiting
• Increased oral intake and tolerance of diet advancement
• Reduced anxiety and increased understanding of condition and treatment plan

Document your findings and any modifications made to the plan of care based on your evaluation.

Discharge Planning

As the patient prepares for discharge, collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive discharge plan. This may include:

Pain Management at Home

Provide instructions for pain management at home, including:

• Prescriptions for oral analgesics and any other medications
• Proper dosing, storage, and disposal of medications
• Non-pharmacologic techniques like positioning, heat/cold therapy, and relaxation

Encourage the patient to keep a pain diary and follow up with their provider if pain is not well-controlled.

Dietary Recommendations

Based on the underlying condition and any dietary restrictions, provide guidance on foods to include and avoid. Encourage small, frequent meals and staying hydrated. Refer to a registered dietitian for additional education if needed.

Follow-up Care

Ensure the patient has a follow-up appointment scheduled with their provider. Provide written instructions for any additional follow-up tests, procedures, or referrals. Encourage the patient to keep a list of questions or concerns to discuss at their next appointment.

Signs and Symptoms to Report

Teach the patient about signs and symptoms that should be reported to their provider or require emergency care, such as:

• Worsening abdominal pain or distension
• Persistent nausea, vomiting, or inability to tolerate oral intake
• No bowel movement for more than 3 days
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Fever above 101°F
• Dizziness, fainting, or confusion

Provide contact information for the provider’s office and local emergency services.

By implementing a comprehensive nursing care plan and providing thorough discharge education, you can help promote optimal outcomes and quality of life for patients with acute abdominal pain and distension.

Takeaways

• Acute abdominal pain and distension can have various underlying causes, including bowel obstruction, gas, and ascites.
• A thorough nursing assessment includes a comprehensive pain assessment, vital signs monitoring, abdominal examination, and identifying potential underlying causes.
• Common nursing diagnoses for patients with acute abdominal pain and distension include acute pain, impaired gas exchange, anxiety, and imbalanced nutrition.
• Nursing interventions should focus on pain management, gastrointestinal interventions, comfort measures, and patient education.
• Ongoing evaluation of pain, vital signs, and other outcomes is essential to determine the effectiveness of interventions.
• Discharge planning should include instructions for pain management at home, dietary recommendations, follow-up care, and signs and symptoms to report to the provider.

In conclusion, acute abdominal pain and distension can be challenging conditions for patients and require comprehensive nursing care. By understanding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and appropriate nursing interventions, you can develop an individualized care plan to promote optimal outcomes and quality of life for your patients. Remember to prioritize pain management, employ both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, provide thorough patient education, and involve the interdisciplinary team in the patient’s care. With diligent assessment, intervention, and evaluation, you can make a significant difference in your patients’ recovery and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common causes of acute abdominal pain and distension?

Common causes include bowel obstruction, excessive gas buildup, ascites (fluid accumulation), and conditions like appendicitis, pancreatitis, and diverticulitis.

How is acute abdominal pain assessed?

Nurses use a comprehensive pain assessment that includes evaluating the location, intensity, quality, onset, and provoking/palliating factors of the pain. Standardized pain scales like the numeric rating scale (NRS) or FACES scale are often used.

What non-pharmacologic interventions can be used to manage acute abdominal pain?

Non-pharmacologic interventions for pain management may include positioning the patient for comfort, using relaxation techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery, and applying heat or cold therapy to the abdomen.

What dietary modifications may be necessary for a patient with acute abdominal pain and distension?

Depending on the underlying cause and the patient’s tolerance, dietary modifications may include providing clear liquids or a low-residue diet to rest the bowel and reduce distension. Foods that may exacerbate symptoms, such as dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and high-fat or spicy foods, should be avoided.

What should be included in discharge planning for a patient with acute abdominal pain and distension?

Discharge planning should include instructions for pain management at home (including medications and non-pharmacologic techniques), dietary recommendations, follow-up care with the provider, and education on signs and symptoms that should be reported, such as worsening pain, persistent vomiting, or fever.