Bowel obstruction is a serious problem requiring prompt medical intervention to relieve intestinal distention, restore intravascular volume, and correct fluid and electrolyte balance. If these efforts fail, either curative or palliative surgical interventions become necessary. Oncology nurses are important members of the healthcare team caring for patients with bowel obstructions. Accurate nursing assessments are critical to monitoring the effects of these therapies and key to reducing the risk of preoperative and/or postoperative complications.