PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What should be done to help decompress the colon in a patient with toxic megacolon?

1. Administer medication

2. Position the patient in knee-elbow position

3. Perform immediate surgery

4. Use a barium enema

The correct answer is: Position the patient in knee-elbow position

To help decompress the colon in a patient with toxic megacolon, positioning the patient in the knee-elbow position can be effective. This position helps facilitate the release of gas and stool buildup in the colon due to gravity and improved abdominal pressure dynamics. By encouraging the colonic contents to move downward and out, this can alleviate some of the distension seen with toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is a serious condition that involves significant colonic dilation and can be life-threatening. The management often includes addressing the underlying causes (like inflammatory bowel disease or infections) and alleviating the obstruction or distension. While other options exist for treatment, the knee-elbow position provides a non-invasive initial approach that can help stabilize the patient and provide symptomatic relief prior to more aggressive interventions if needed.