Before auscultating the abdomen for the presence of bowel sounds ...

[schs14]

Before auscultating the abdomen for the presence of bowel sounds on a patient, the nurse should:
 
  a. Warm the endpiece of the stethoscope by placing it in warm water.
  b. Leave the gown on the patient to ensure that he or she does not get chilled during the examination.
  c. Ensure that the bell side of the stethoscope is turned to the on position.
  d. Check the temperature of the room, and offer blankets to the patient if he or she feels cold.

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to use a stethoscope for auscultation. Which statement is true regarding the diaphragm of the stethoscope? The diaphragm:
 
  a. Is used to listen for high-pitched sounds.
  b. Is used to listen for low-pitched sounds.
  c. Should be lightly held against the person's skin to block out low-pitched sounds.
  d. Should be lightly held against the person's skin to listen for extra heart sounds and murmurs.

[pikon]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The examination room should be warm. If the patient shivers, then the involuntary muscle contractions can make it difficult to hear the underlying sounds. The end of the stethoscope should be warmed between the examiner's hands, not with water. The nurse should never listen through a gown. The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be used to auscultate for bowel sounds.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The diaphragm of the stethoscope is best for listening to high-pitched sounds such as breath, bowel, and normal heart sounds. It should be firmly held against the person's skin, firmly enough to leave a ring. The bell of the stethoscope is best for soft, low-pitched sounds such as extra heart sounds or murmurs.