Correct answer:

(1) It is diagnosed by the presence of: colicky abdominal pain, distension, absolute constipation, vomiting.
(2) Examination should always include a search for hernias.
(3) Is it simple or strangulating? Features suggesting strangulation are: change in character of pain from colicky to continuous, peritonism, tachycardia, pyrexia, leucocytosis, raised C-reactive protein, bowel sounds absent or reduced.