A nurse performs an abdominal assessment on 4 patients. Which of the following would be considered a normal abdominal assessment?

Abdomen nondistended, soft, with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Abdomen distended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Abdomen distended, soft, with hyperactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Abdomen nondistended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A This is considered a normal abdominal assessment. The abdomen is soft and not distended, and bowel sounds are present and normal in all four quadrants.

Choice B Abdominal distension and firmness may indicate possible bowel obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues. Hypoactive bowel sounds suggest reduced motility, which is not normal.

Choice C Abdominal distension with hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate gastrointestinal irritation or increased motility, which is not normal.

Choice D A firm abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds is not typical of a normal abdominal assessment.

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Correct Answer is D

No explanation

A. "Listening to your bowel sounds is just part of the physical assessment, so it's nothing you need to worry about. It will only take me a few minutes to listen; then I'll let you rest." B. "Your surgeon has written orders to assess your abdomen every 4 hours. I'm sorry if it worries you, but I must do my job." C. "General anesthesia puts everything to sleep, including the bowel, so it is important to determine when bowel sounds have returned." D. "We listen so we can let your surgeon know your gastrointestinal system wasn't damaged by the anesthesia."

Correct Answer is C

No explanation

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A nurse performs an abdominal assessment on 4 patients. Which of the following would be considered a normal abdominal assessment?

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