Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Related

Review Gastrointestinal Practice Questions related questions and content

Which finding by the nurse during abdominal auscultation indicates a need for a focused abdominal assessment?

  • A. Loud gurgles
  • B. High-pitched gurgles
  • C. Absent bowel sounds
  • D. Frequent clicking sounds
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, absent bowel sounds. Absence of bowel sounds may indicate a serious issue requiring further assessment. Normal bowel sounds include soft gurgles and clicks, so choices A, B, and D are variations of normal findings and do not necessarily indicate a need for further assessment. Absent bowel sounds could indicate bowel obstruction, peritonitis, or ischemia, warranting a focused abdominal assessment to determine the underlying cause.