Final answer:
Initially, bowel sounds in a small bowel obstruction are high-pitched and frequent, also known as borborygmi. Later on, as the obstruction worsens, bowel sounds may diminish or become absent, indicating a serious and potentially dangerous situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early on in a small bowel obstruction (SBO), bowel sounds are typically high-pitched and can occur more frequently as the body attempts to move contents through the obstructed area. This is known as “borborygmi.” However, as the obstruction progresses and the bowel becomes more distended and fatigued, these sounds can diminish and eventually become absent, which could indicate a worsening situation, and can be considered an ominous sign requiring urgent attention from healthcare professionals.Late in the course of a small bowel obstruction, if the condition is not resolved, the bowel can become very quiet indicating that the bowel's motility has significantly decreased or stopped. This state, in conjunction with clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting, can suggest a complicated obstruction, potentially leading to strangulation and necrosis if not promptly treated.