Question

When assessing the patient's bowel sounds, the nurse

a.listens to the abdomen after palpation is done.
b.places the patient in a relaxed prone position.
c.listens to bowel sounds before palpation.
d.places a pillow over the patient's knees.

Answer 1

To assess bowel sounds accurately, the nurse should listen to them before palpating the abdomen to avoid altering their natural frequency and character. Auscultation should occur without interference, following the correct sequence as is standard in physical examinations.

Step-by-step explanation:

When assessing the patient's bowel sounds, the correct procedure is c. listens to bowel sounds before palpation. Palpation can potentially alter the frequency and character of bowel sounds. Therefore, it is essential that auscultation, which is a method of listening to the sounds of the body typically using a stethoscope, is performed prior to palpation to avoid any interference with the natural sounds present. For instance, similar to how clinicians listen for Korotkoff sounds when taking blood pressure, bowel sounds must be assessed without any external influences for accurate evaluation. Moreover, this precaution aligns with standard practices for conducting physical examinations to ensure that the abdominal regions and quadrants are assessed correctly and communicate findings accurately. The process of auscultation of the heart also emphasizes the importance of sequence and minimal interference when conducting a physical assessment.