Question

While assessing the abdomen, the nurse uses the bell of the stethoscope to auscultate below the diaphragm to assess for lower-pitched bowel sounds. What measure should the nurse take to prevent abdominal contraction while auscultating?

Answer 1

The nurse should ensure the patient is comfortable, use a warm stethoscope, instruct the patient to breathe calmly and avoid conversation, and move the bell gently to prevent abdominal contraction while auscultating for bowel sounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent abdominal contraction while auscultating for bowel sounds, the nurse should ensure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable. The patient should lie flat on their back with their legs slightly bent to reduce tension in the abdominal muscles. The healthcare provider should use a warm stethoscope to avoid the reflex activation of muscle contraction due to a cold touch.

The nurse should instruct the patient to breathe slowly and calmly, and to avoid talking or laughing during the auscultation. Gentle, systematic movements should be used, moving the bell of the stethoscope lightly against the skin, to facilitate listening without eliciting a contraction reflex. This careful approach is essential for an accurate assessment of heart sounds and the evaluation of possible valve disorders.