What is a priority for a patient with a bowel obstruction?

In the context of a patient with a bowel obstruction, monitoring intra-abdominal pressure is a priority because bowel obstructions can lead to elevated pressure within the abdominal cavity due to trapped gases and fluid. Increased intra-abdominal pressure can lead to serious complications such as bowel ischemia, perforation, and respiratory distress. By monitoring this pressure, healthcare providers can assess the severity of the obstruction and take timely action to alleviate the problem, such as planning for surgical intervention if necessary.

While managing pain, hydration, and wound care are important aspects of overall patient care, they do not directly address the immediate risks associated with elevated intra-abdominal pressure that come from a bowel obstruction. For example, administering narcotics for pain may mask the patient's symptoms and lead to further complications, while encouraging oral hydration could worsen the situation if the bowel is not able to handle the fluid intake. Frequent dressing changes, while necessary for wound management, are not a critical priority in the context of managing a bowel obstruction.