A nurse is checking a client's bowel sounds.
At which of the following times should the nurse auscultate the client's abdomen?

Choice A rationale

Auscultation of the abdomen for bowel sounds should be performed prior to any manipulation such as inspection, palpation, or percussion. Palpation and percussion can stimulate or inhibit bowel motility, potentially altering the sounds heard and leading to an inaccurate assessment of baseline bowel activity.

Choice B rationale

Palpating the abdomen involves applying pressure, which can stimulate bowel motility and increase bowel sounds. Auscultating after palpation might not reflect the client's true baseline bowel sounds.

Choice C rationale

Checking for kidney tenderness involves percussing the costovertebral angle, which is located on the back and does not directly impact bowel sounds. However, it is still a form of manipulation that should ideally occur after auscultation of the abdomen to avoid any potential influence on bowel sounds.

Choice D rationale

Percussion of the abdomen involves tapping the abdominal surface to assess underlying structures. This manipulation can also alter bowel motility and the characteristics of bowel sounds. Therefore, auscultation should precede percussion for an accurate assessment.