Final answer:
Loud gurgling sounds in the stomach, referred to as borborygmi, signify normal bowel activity. Excessive or associated symptoms may indicate gastrointestinal problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse auscultates loud gurgling sounds in the stomach, this is often indicative of bowel activity and the movement of stomach contents and gas through the gastrointestinal tract, which is a normal finding. These sounds are known as borborygmi and are typically harmless.
However, if these sounds are excessively loud, occur more frequently, or are associated with other symptoms, they could indicate an underlying condition such as gastrointestinal distress, infection, or disturbances in intestinal motility. During an abdominal examination, it's crucial to listen to these sounds in context with other clinical signs to determine their significance.