Method Of Exam
Author: A. Chandrasekhar, MD
Consultant: J. Pickleman, MD
Note that the abdomen should be auscultated prior to palpation.
Auscultate in all four quadrants of the abdomen.
Auscultate for a minute before determining the absence of peristaltic sounds. Note the frequency and character of bowel sounds.
Normal:
Bowel sound consist of clicks and gurgles and 5-30 per minute.
An occasional borborygmus (loud prolonged gurgle) may be heard.