Final answer:
Following an inspection during a gastrointestinal assessment, auscultation is the next step in the examination process. It involves listening to internal sounds with a stethoscope to assess bowel function, followed by palpation and percussion to detect any abnormalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the inspection part of a physical assessment of gastrointestinal function, the next step in the examination process typically involves auscultation. Auscultation refers to listening to the sounds made by the internal organs with a stethoscope. This is an essential step to evaluate the motility and functionality of the gastrointestinal system. It can reveal the presence of bowel sounds, their character, and any abnormal noises such as gurgles or clicks that may indicate particular conditions.
Following auscultation, other procedures such as palpation and percussion are typically performed. Palpation involves using the hands to examine the abdomen and can identify pain, organ size, and abnormal masses. Percussion helps in determining the size and density of abdominal contents, and it can also aid in locating abnormal fluid or gas accumulation. Together with inspection, these steps form the basis of a comprehensive physical assessment of gastrointestinal function.