Which symptoms are indicative of an abdominal obstruction?

Abdominal obstruction often presents with specific symptoms that help in its identification. One of the hallmark signs of an obstruction is abdominal distention, which occurs due to the accumulation of gas and fluids proximal to the blockage. This can lead to a feeling of fullness and discomfort. Tenderness can also occur, indicating that the affected area may be inflamed or otherwise impacted by the obstruction.

When considering other symptom profiles, abdominal pain with no bowel sounds and rigidity indicates a potential peritoneal irritation, which may not directly suggest an obstruction. Ripping chest pain and asymmetric pulses are more indicative of vascular issues than gastrointestinal obstructions. While nausea and vomiting can be present in obstructive scenarios, the addition of fever typically suggests an inflammatory process or infection rather than an obstruction alone.

The combination of abdominal pain with distention and tenderness directly correlates with typical presentations of an obstruction, making it the most accurate choice in this context.