Method Of Exam

• 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.