Final answer:
The next step in managing a closed loop obstruction in a patient with signs and symptoms of SBO is an exploratory laparotomy, a surgical procedure to visualize and alleviate the obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The next step in managing a closed loop obstruction in a patient with signs and symptoms of SBO (small bowel obstruction) would typically be an exploratory laparotomy.
This surgical procedure allows the surgeon to directly visualize the bowel and determine the cause of the obstruction. During the laparotomy, the surgeon may perform a bowel resection or take other appropriate actions to relieve the obstruction.
It is important to act promptly in these cases as closed loop obstructions can lead to bowel ischemia and necrosis, which can be life-threatening.