The nurse is assessing a patient's bowel sounds.
The nurse does not hear anything for 30 seconds.
How should the nurse document this finding?

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.

Choice A rationale

A speech therapist specializes in diagnosing and treating swallowing disorders, such as dysphagia. They assess the client’s ability to swallow safely and provide interventions to improve swallowing techniques, including exercises and modifications to diet. Referral to a speech therapist is essential for managing dysphagia and preventing complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Choice B rationale

A respiratory therapist primarily deals with breathing problems and airway management, not swallowing difficulties. While respiratory therapists play a role in managing clients with respiratory distress, they do not specialize in dysphagia.

Choice C rationale

A dentist focuses on oral health, which is important for overall health, but they are not the appropriate specialist for managing dysphagia. While they may address oral conditions that could impact swallowing, dysphagia management requires the expertise of a speech therapist.

Choice D rationale

A physical therapist focuses on physical movement and rehabilitation. While physical therapy may assist in mobility and motor coordination, dysphagia management falls within the domain of a speech therapist, not a physical therapist.