The nurse is listening to bowel sounds. Which of these statements ...

[TFauchery]

The nurse is listening to bowel sounds. Which of these statements is true of bowel sounds? Bowel sounds:
 
  a. Are usually loud, high-pitched, rushing, and tinkling sounds.
  b. Are usually high-pitched, gurgling, and irregular sounds.
  c. Sound like two pieces of leather being rubbed together.
  d. Originate from the movement of air and fluid through the large intestine.

Question 2

The nurse is watching a new graduate nurse perform auscultation of a patient's abdomen. Which statement by the new graduate shows a correct understanding of the reason auscultation precedes percussion and palpation of the abdomen?
 
  a. We need to determine the areas of tenderness before using percussion and palpation.
  b. Auscultation prevents distortion of bowel sounds that might occur after percussion and palpation.
  c. Auscultation allows the patient more time to relax and therefore be more comfortable with the physical examination.
  d. Auscultation prevents distortion of vascular sounds, such as bruits and hums, that might occur after percussion and palpation.

[babybsemail]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Bowel sounds are high-pitched, gurgling, and cascading sounds that irregularly occur from 5 to 30 times per minute. They originate from the movement of air and fluid through the small intestine.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Auscultation is performed first (after inspection) because percussion and palpation can increase peristalsis, which would give a false interpretation of bowel sounds.

[TFauchery]

Correct answers!

[babybsemail]

Great! Please up vote