🏥 Surgical Nursing Care Plan on Acute Intestinal Obstruction with Laparotomy
Medical-Surgical Nursing | NANDA Nursing Care Plan Format
Surgical Nursing Care Plan | Practical File Ready
📄 Page 1 — Student Information
| Student Name | [Your Name] |
| Course | BSc Nursing / GNM / ANM |
| Subject | Medical-Surgical Nursing |
| Surgical Care Plan Topic | Acute Intestinal Obstruction with Laparotomy |
| Format | NANDA-I Surgical Nursing Care Plan Format |
| Clinical Area | Emergency Ward / Surgical Ward / Operation Theatre / Post-operative Ward |
| Date of Submission | [Enter Date] |
| Clinical Instructor | [Instructor Name] |
📄 Page 2 — Patient Identification Data
| Name | Mr. Mahendra Singh |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Address | Jodhpur, Rajasthan |
| Occupation | Shopkeeper |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Diagnosis | Acute Intestinal Obstruction |
| Surgical Procedure | Exploratory Laparotomy |
| Type of Surgery | Emergency Abdominal Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
| Type of Family | Nuclear Family |
| Family Size | 4 Members |
| Ward Name | Male Surgical Ward |
| Bed Number | 12 |
| Date of Admission | 21/05/2026 |
| Date of Surgery | 21/05/2026 |
| Doctor Incharge | Dr. S. K. Parihar, MS General Surgery |
| Hospital Name | Government Medical College Hospital, Jodhpur |
📄 Page 3 — Chief Complaints & Present Illness History
Chief Complaints
- Severe abdominal pain — since 1 day.
- Abdominal distension — since 1 day.
- Vomiting — 5 to 6 episodes.
- Failure to pass stool and flatus — since 24 hours.
- Nausea and restlessness.
- Reduced oral intake and weakness.
History of Present Illness
Mr. Mahendra Singh, a 55-year-old male, was admitted to the emergency ward with complaints of severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension, repeated vomiting and inability to pass stool and flatus for 24 hours.
The pain was colicky in nature and gradually increased in intensity. Vomiting was initially food particles and later became bilious. Patient also complained of nausea, restlessness, weakness and reduced oral intake. There was no history of trauma.
On examination, abdomen was distended and tender, bowel sounds were exaggerated initially. X-ray abdomen showed multiple air-fluid levels suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Patient was kept NPO, Ryle’s tube was inserted for gastric decompression, IV fluids were started and emergency exploratory laparotomy was planned.
Past Medical History
- No history of diabetes mellitus.
- No history of hypertension.
- No history of tuberculosis, asthma or epilepsy.
- History of occasional constipation.
- No known drug allergy.
Past Surgical History
- History of previous abdominal surgery for appendectomy 10 years back.
- No history of previous intestinal obstruction.
- No history of blood transfusion reaction.
📄 Page 4 — Family History & Family Composition
Family History
- The patient belongs to a nuclear family.
- Total family members are 4.
- No family history of intestinal obstruction reported.
- No family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, tuberculosis or hereditary disease.
- Wife is healthy and works as homemaker.
- Two children are healthy and studying/working.
- Family is cooperative and supportive during hospitalization.
Family Composition
| Name | Age/Sex | Education | Occupation | Relationship | Health Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Mahendra Singh | 55/M | 10th Pass | Shopkeeper | Self / Patient | Acute Intestinal Obstruction with Laparotomy |
| Mrs. Sushila Singh | 50/F | 8th Pass | Homemaker | Wife | Healthy |
| Mr. Ravi Singh | 25/M | Graduate | Private Job | Son | Healthy |
| Miss Neha Singh | 20/F | College Student | Student | Daughter | Healthy |
Family Tree
📄 Page 5 — Dietary, Personal, Socio-economic & Environmental History
Dietary History
- The patient takes a mixed diet.
- Usually takes 3 meals per day with tea and snacks.
- Diet includes chapati, dal, vegetables, rice, milk and seasonal fruits.
- Occasional intake of spicy and oily foods.
- Fluid intake was reduced due to vomiting before admission.
- Appetite was decreased since onset of abdominal pain.
- Patient was kept NPO due to intestinal obstruction and planned emergency surgery.
- Post-operatively, oral intake was started gradually after return of bowel sounds and doctor’s advice.
Personal History
- Sleep: Disturbed due to abdominal pain, vomiting and anxiety.
- Appetite: Decreased before admission.
- Bowel: No stool and flatus passed for 24 hours before admission.
- Bladder: Reduced urine output before IV fluid therapy due to dehydration.
- Habits: No alcohol intake; occasional tobacco chewing reported.
- Activity: Reduced due to abdominal pain and weakness.
- Allergy: No known drug or food allergy.
Socio-economic History
- The patient belongs to a middle-class family.
- Patient works as a shopkeeper and contributes to family income.
- Family is cooperative and supportive during emergency hospitalization.
- Patient and family were anxious due to emergency surgery.
- Financial support is available from family members.
Environmental History
- The family lives in a pucca house with adequate ventilation.
- Safe drinking water is available at home.
- Sanitation facility is available.
- Home environment is suitable for post-operative recovery and wound care.
- Patient was advised to maintain hygiene and avoid infection after discharge.
📄 Page 6 — Physical Examination
General Condition
Patient was conscious, oriented and restless at the time of admission due to severe abdominal pain and vomiting. He appeared dehydrated and anxious. After surgery, patient was conscious, cooperative and recovering under close monitoring.
Vital Signs on Admission
- Temperature: 99°F
- Pulse: 104 beats/min
- Respiration: 22 breaths/min
- Blood Pressure: 100/70 mmHg
- SpO₂: 98% on room air
- Pain Score: 8/10
General Appearance
- Built: Moderate
- Nutrition: Moderate
- Posture: Restless due to colicky abdominal pain
- Facial expression: Painful and anxious
- Skin: Dry, reduced skin turgor before IV fluids
- Hydration: Mild dehydration present before treatment
- Pallor: Mild pallor present
- Icterus/Clubbing/Cyanosis: Not present
Abdominal Examination
- Abdomen distended before surgery.
- Diffuse abdominal tenderness present.
- Bowel sounds exaggerated initially.
- Patient had repeated vomiting.
- No stool and flatus passed for 24 hours before admission.
- Ryle’s tube inserted for gastric decompression.
- Post-operatively, midline abdominal surgical dressing present.
- Bowel sounds monitored regularly after laparotomy.
Systemic Examination
| Abdomen | Distended and tender pre-operatively; post-operative midline abdominal wound dressing present. |
| Cardiovascular System | Tachycardia present initially due to pain/dehydration; S1 and S2 heard normally. |
| Respiratory System | Respiratory rate mildly increased due to pain; chest clear bilaterally. |
| Central Nervous System | Conscious, oriented, restless due to pain; no neurological deficit. |
| Skin | Dry skin and reduced turgor before fluid correction; post-operative wound dressing present. |
📄 Page 7 — Vital Signs Monitoring Record
| Date / Time | Temperature | Pulse | Respiration | BP | SpO₂ | Pain Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21/05/2026 — Admission | 99°F | 104/min | 22/min | 100/70 | 98% | 8/10 |
| 21/05/2026 — Post-op | 98.8°F | 96/min | 20/min | 110/74 | 99% | 6/10 |
| 22/05/2026 — POD 1 | 98.6°F | 88/min | 18/min | 116/76 | 99% | 4/10 |
| 23/05/2026 — POD 2 | 98.4°F | 82/min | 18/min | 118/78 | 99% | 3/10 |
| 24/05/2026 — POD 3 | 98.4°F | 78/min | 16/min | 120/78 | 99% | 2/10 |
| 25/05/2026 — Discharge | 98.2°F | 76/min | 16/min | 118/76 | 99% | 1/10 |
📄 Page 8 — Diagnostic Investigations
| Sr. No. | Investigation | Normal Value | Patient Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hemoglobin | 13–17 g/dL | 12.8 g/dL | Mildly low |
| 2 | Total WBC Count | 4,000–11,000/mm³ | 13,800/mm³ | Raised, possible inflammation/infection |
| 3 | Platelet Count | 1.5–4 lakh/mm³ | 2.6 lakh/mm³ | Normal |
| 4 | Random Blood Sugar | 80–140 mg/dL | 124 mg/dL | Normal |
| 5 | Blood Urea | 15–40 mg/dL | 46 mg/dL | Mildly raised due to dehydration |
| 6 | Serum Creatinine | 0.7–1.3 mg/dL | 1.2 mg/dL | Upper normal |
| 7 | Serum Sodium | 135–145 mEq/L | 132 mEq/L | Mild hyponatremia |
| 8 | Serum Potassium | 3.5–5.0 mEq/L | 3.3 mEq/L | Mild hypokalemia due to vomiting |
| 9 | Urine Routine | No sugar/protein | Normal | No abnormality |
| 10 | ECG | Normal sinus rhythm | Sinus tachycardia | Due to pain/dehydration |
| 11 | X-ray Abdomen Erect | No air-fluid levels | Multiple air-fluid levels present | Suggestive of intestinal obstruction |
| 12 | USG Abdomen | Normal bowel loops | Dilated bowel loops with reduced distal movement | Intestinal obstruction suspected |
| 13 | Blood Group | - | O Positive | Recorded for emergency surgery |
📄 Page 9 — Medical & Surgical Management / Drug Chart
Medical Management
- Patient was kept NPO immediately after admission.
- Ryle’s tube was inserted for gastric decompression.
- IV line was secured and IV fluids were started to correct dehydration.
- Electrolyte imbalance was corrected as prescribed.
- Urinary catheter was inserted to monitor urine output.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered as prescribed.
- Analgesics and antiemetics were administered to relieve pain and vomiting.
- Intake-output charting was maintained.
- Vital signs and abdominal girth were monitored regularly.
- Emergency exploratory laparotomy was planned after stabilization.
Surgical Management
Name of Surgery: Exploratory Laparotomy
Indication: Acute Intestinal Obstruction
Date of Surgery: 21/05/2026
Type of Anesthesia: General Anesthesia
Operative Site: Abdomen / Midline incision
Operative Finding: Adhesive intestinal obstruction with dilated bowel loops
Procedure Done: Exploratory laparotomy performed, adhesions released, bowel viability checked, obstruction relieved, peritoneal lavage done, abdomen closed in layers and sterile dressing applied.
Drain: Abdominal drain placed as per surgical finding
Post-operative Status: Patient shifted to post-operative ward in stable condition with Ryle’s tube, IV fluids, urinary catheter and abdominal drain.
Pre-operative Nursing Care
- Verified patient identity, diagnosis and planned emergency surgery.
- Checked informed written consent for surgery and anesthesia.
- Maintained strict NPO status.
- Inserted and maintained Ryle’s tube as ordered.
- Secured IV cannula and administered IV fluids as prescribed.
- Monitored dehydration signs, vital signs and urine output.
- Prepared abdomen for surgery as per hospital protocol.
- Administered prescribed antibiotics, analgesics and antiemetics.
- Collected and reviewed emergency investigations.
- Removed ornaments, dentures and valuables if present.
- Provided psychological support to patient and family.
- Completed pre-operative checklist and shifted patient safely to OT.
Post-operative Nursing Care
- Monitored airway, breathing and circulation after general anesthesia.
- Observed vital signs frequently during immediate post-operative period.
- Maintained Ryle’s tube drainage and recorded amount/color.
- Maintained urinary catheter and monitored hourly urine output.
- Observed abdominal drain for amount, color and nature of drainage.
- Checked abdominal dressing for bleeding, soakage and discharge.
- Assessed pain score and administered analgesics as prescribed.
- Maintained IV fluids and electrolyte correction as ordered.
- Observed bowel sounds, abdominal distension and passage of flatus/stool.
- Maintained strict intake-output chart.
- Encouraged deep breathing and leg exercises.
- Assisted gradual ambulation after doctor’s advice.
- Maintained aseptic technique during wound and drain care.
- Educated patient regarding wound care, diet progression and follow-up.
Drug Chart
| Drug Name | Dose | Route | Frequency | Purpose | Nursing Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inj. Ceftriaxone | 1 g | IV | BD | Broad-spectrum antibiotic | Check allergy, administer slowly, monitor rash, diarrhea and IV site. |
| Inj. Metronidazole | 500 mg | IV | TDS | Anaerobic infection control | Monitor nausea, metallic taste, abdominal discomfort and IV site. |
| Inj. Pantoprazole | 40 mg | IV | OD | Gastric protection | Administer before meals/early morning, monitor abdominal discomfort. |
| Inj. Ondansetron | 4 mg | IV | SOS/TDS | Controls nausea and vomiting | Assess nausea/vomiting, monitor headache and constipation. |
| Inj. Tramadol | 50 mg | IV/IM | SOS | Moderate to severe pain relief | Monitor sedation, dizziness, nausea, respiratory status and pain relief. |
| Inj. Paracetamol | 1 g | IV | TDS/SOS | Pain and fever relief | Monitor temperature, pain score and total daily dose. |
| IV Ringer Lactate | 500 ml | IV | As ordered | Fluid and electrolyte replacement | Monitor flow rate, IV site, intake-output and signs of overload. |
| IV Normal Saline | 500 ml | IV | As ordered | Fluid replacement | Check patency, monitor input-output and edema. |
| Potassium Chloride | As prescribed | IV infusion | As ordered | Correction of hypokalemia | Never give IV push, dilute properly, monitor ECG and serum potassium. |
📄 Page 10 — NANDA Nursing Diagnoses
| Sr. No. | NANDA Nursing Diagnosis | Related To | Evidenced By / Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acute Pain | Intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension and surgical incision | Pain score 8/10 pre-operatively and 6/10 post-operatively, guarding, restlessness |
| 2 | Deficient Fluid Volume | Repeated vomiting, reduced oral intake and third-space fluid loss due to intestinal obstruction | Dry skin, reduced skin turgor, tachycardia, low BP, reduced urine output |
| 3 | Risk for Infection | Abdominal surgery, surgical wound, drain, urinary catheter and invasive lines | Midline abdominal dressing, abdominal drain, Foley catheter, IV cannula |
| 4 | Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements | NPO status, vomiting and reduced oral intake | Weakness, decreased appetite, NPO status, post-operative diet restriction |
| 5 | Impaired Physical Mobility | Abdominal pain, surgical incision and weakness | Difficulty turning, sitting and walking after laparotomy |
📄 Page 11 — Nursing Care Plan 1: Acute Pain
| Assessment | Nursing Diagnosis | Goal / Expected Outcome | Planning | Implementation | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Subjective Data: Patient complains, “Pet me bahut tez dard ho raha hai.” Post-operatively patient reports pain at abdominal incision site. Objective Data: |
Acute Pain related to intestinal obstruction, abdominal distension and surgical incision as evidenced by pain score 8/10 pre-operatively, 6/10 post-operatively, guarding and restlessness. |
Short-Term Goal: Patient will report reduction in pain from 6/10 to 3/10 within 24–48 hours after surgery. Long-Term Goal: |
|
|
Patient reported pain reduction from 6/10 to 2/10 within 72 hours. Patient was able to turn, sit and walk slowly with support before discharge. |
📄 Page 12 — Nursing Care Plan 2: Deficient Fluid Volume
| Assessment | Nursing Diagnosis | Goal / Expected Outcome | Planning | Implementation | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Subjective Data: Patient reports repeated vomiting, weakness and inability to take oral fluids. Objective Data: |
Deficient Fluid Volume related to repeated vomiting, reduced oral intake and third-space fluid loss due to intestinal obstruction as evidenced by dry skin, reduced skin turgor, tachycardia, low BP and reduced urine output. |
Short-Term Goal: Patient will maintain stable vital signs and adequate urine output within 24–48 hours. Long-Term Goal: |
|
|
Patient’s hydration status improved. Pulse reduced to 78/min, BP improved to 120/78 mmHg, urine output became adequate and electrolyte imbalance was corrected before discharge. |
📄 Page 13 — Nursing Care Plan 3: Risk for Infection
| Assessment | Nursing Diagnosis | Goal / Expected Outcome | Planning | Implementation | Evaluation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Subjective Data: Patient asks, “Operation ke baad infection to nahi hoga?” Objective Data: Exploratory laparotomy done. Midline abdominal surgical dressing present. Abdominal drain, Ryle’s tube, Foley catheter and IV cannula present. |
Risk for Infection related to abdominal surgery, surgical wound, abdominal drain, urinary catheter, Ryle’s tube and invasive lines. |
Short-Term Goal: Patient will remain free from signs of surgical wound and systemic infection during hospitalization. Long-Term Goal: Patient will demonstrate proper wound care and remain free from fever, pus discharge, redness, swelling and wound gaping before follow-up. |
|
|
Patient remained afebrile. Surgical dressing was clean and dry. Drain output reduced gradually. No pus discharge, redness, foul smell or wound gaping was observed. Patient understood infection prevention measures. |
📄 Page 14 — Discharge Summary
Patient Name: Mr. Mahendra Singh
Age/Sex: 55 Years / Male
Hospital Name: Government Medical College Hospital, Jodhpur
Ward: Male Surgical Ward
Date of Admission: 21/05/2026
Date of Surgery: 21/05/2026
Date of Discharge: 25/05/2026
Final Diagnosis: Acute Intestinal Obstruction
Surgery Performed: Exploratory Laparotomy under General Anesthesia
Summary of Hospital Stay
Mr. Mahendra Singh, a 55-year-old male, was admitted in emergency with complaints of severe colicky abdominal pain, abdominal distension, repeated vomiting and inability to pass stool and flatus for 24 hours.
On examination, abdomen was distended and tender. X-ray abdomen showed multiple air-fluid levels suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Patient was kept NPO, Ryle’s tube was inserted, IV fluids and electrolyte correction were started, and emergency exploratory laparotomy was planned after stabilization.
Exploratory laparotomy was performed on 21/05/2026 under general anesthesia. Adhesions were released and obstruction was relieved. Post-operatively, patient was monitored for pain, infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, drain output, Ryle’s tube drainage, urine output and return of bowel function. Patient improved gradually. Bowel sounds returned, flatus was passed, oral diet was tolerated and wound remained clean and dry.
Condition at Discharge
- Patient is conscious, oriented and hemodynamically stable.
- No fever at the time of discharge.
- Pulse: 76/min, BP: 118/76 mmHg, Respiratory rate: 16/min.
- SpO₂: 99% on room air.
- Pain score: 1/10.
- Midline abdominal surgical dressing is clean and dry.
- No redness, swelling, pus discharge or wound gaping present.
- Bowel sounds present and patient has passed flatus.
- Patient tolerates soft oral diet.
- Urine output adequate.
- Patient is able to walk slowly with support.
- Patient and family understand discharge instructions.
Discharge Medications
| Medication | Dose | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tab. Cefixime | 200 mg | Twice daily for 5 days | Antibiotic |
| Tab. Metronidazole | 400 mg | Three times daily for 5 days | Anaerobic infection control |
| Tab. Paracetamol | 500 mg | SOS after food | Pain and fever relief |
| Tab. Pantoprazole | 40 mg | Once daily before breakfast for 5 days | Gastric protection |
| Multivitamin | 1 tablet | Once daily | Recovery support |
Follow-Up Advice
- Follow-up in surgical OPD after 7 days for wound inspection and suture/staple review.
- Continue prescribed medicines as directed.
- Keep abdominal wound clean and dry.
- Take soft and easily digestible diet initially.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending and strenuous work until doctor permits.
- Maintain adequate fluid intake.
- Report immediately if fever, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, wound discharge, constipation or inability to pass flatus occurs.
📄 Page 15 — Health Education
1. Wound Care
- Keep abdominal wound clean and dry.
- Do not touch wound with unwashed hands.
- Do not remove dressing unless advised.
- Observe wound for redness, swelling, discharge, foul smell or wound opening.
- Visit hospital for dressing and follow-up as advised.
2. Medication Advice
- Take antibiotics for the full prescribed course.
- Do not skip or stop medicines without doctor’s advice.
- Take pain medicine only as prescribed.
- Take gastric protection medicine before breakfast if prescribed.
- Report allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling or breathing difficulty immediately.
3. Diet Advice After Laparotomy
- Start with soft, light and easily digestible diet as advised.
- Take small frequent meals instead of heavy meals.
- Drink adequate water unless restricted.
- Include protein-rich foods such as dal, milk, curd, pulses and eggs if allowed.
- Include fruits and vegetables gradually to prevent constipation.
- Avoid oily, spicy and gas-forming foods during early recovery.
- Do not overeat immediately after discharge.
4. Activity and Rest
- Take adequate rest during recovery period.
- Walk slowly at home as tolerated.
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending and strenuous work until doctor permits.
- Support abdomen while coughing, sneezing or getting up from bed.
- Do deep breathing and leg exercises as advised.
- Resume normal activities only after medical advice.
5. Prevention of Complications
- Maintain hand hygiene before touching dressing area.
- Avoid constipation by taking fluids and fiber-rich foods gradually.
- Attend follow-up visits regularly.
- Do not ignore persistent vomiting, abdominal distension or severe pain.
- Maintain proper nutrition for wound healing.
- Avoid self-medication.
6. Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Help
- Fever above 100.4°F.
- Severe abdominal pain or increasing abdominal distension.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Inability to pass stool or flatus.
- Redness, swelling, pus discharge or foul smell from wound.
- Bleeding from wound site.
- Wound opening.
- Reduced urine output or severe weakness.
📄 Page 16 — Bibliography
- Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Latest Edition, Wolters Kluwer.
- NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification 2024–2026.
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Latest Edition.
- Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, Latest Edition.
- Indian Nursing Council recommended Medical-Surgical Nursing syllabus and clinical practical guidelines.
- Hospital surgical nursing care protocols for pre-operative and post-operative care.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This surgical nursing care plan is prepared for educational and academic purposes only for ANM, GNM and BSc Nursing students. It is not intended for actual patient care or clinical decision-making. Always follow hospital protocol, physician orders and standard nursing textbooks.
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