A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about bowel sounds. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse use to describe hyperactive bowel sounds?
A.
Sounds are high-pitched
B.
Can be a result of a paralytic ileus
C.
Indicates decreased motility
D.
Sounds are soft and at a rate of 1/min
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. Sounds are high-pitched
Explanation:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are characterized by being high-pitched and more frequent compared to normal bowel sounds. Understanding these characteristics helps nurses accurately assess gastrointestinal function and identify potential issues.
- High-Pitched Sounds: Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically high-pitched. This is due to the increased peristaltic activity in the intestines. When the intestines are overactive, the sounds produced are louder and more distinct, reflecting the vigorous movement of intestinal contents. These sounds can be described as “borborygmi,” which are gurgling or rumbling noises that occur as gas and fluid move through the intestines.
- Frequency: Hyperactive bowel sounds are also frequent. They occur more than the typical 5-30 sounds per minute and can be heard as a continuous series of gurgles or rumblings. This increase in frequency is often a sign of increased gastrointestinal motility, which may occur in conditions such as gastroenteritis, early bowel obstruction, or after eating a meal.
- Potential Causes: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not related to a paralytic ileus. A paralytic ileus, which is a condition where there is a lack of bowel motility, typically results in decreased or absent bowel sounds, not hyperactive ones. The absence of bowel sounds or very infrequent sounds is more characteristic of a paralytic ileus.
- Decreased Motility: Hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased motility, not decreased. Conditions causing decreased motility, such as ileus, present with diminished or absent bowel sounds.
- Sound Characteristics: In contrast, low-pitched and soft bowel sounds, or sounds at a rate of 1 per minute, are usually associated with reduced bowel activity or hypoactive bowel sounds, not hyperactive ones.
In summary, when reinforcing teaching about bowel sounds to a newly licensed nurse, it is essential to highlight that hyperactive bowel sounds are high-pitched and frequent, reflecting increased gastrointestinal motility. This knowledge aids in the accurate assessment and management of patients with gastrointestinal disturbances.