Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data about a client's gastrointestinal system. While auscultating the abdomen, the nurse notes loud growling sounds. When documenting these findings. the nurse should use which of the following terms?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Borborygmi
Rationale:
🟦 Borborygmi are loud, gurgling, growling bowel sounds produced by hyperactive intestinal movement.
🟦 They occur when gas and fluid move rapidly through the intestines, often heard during hunger, diarrhea, or after eating.
🟦 This term precisely describes loud, rumbling sounds noted during auscultation, making it the correct documentation choice.
🟦 It does not indicate pathology alone but reflects increased bowel activity.
❌ Incorrect Options
❌ Distention — refers to swelling or enlargement of the abdomen, not bowel sounds.
❌ Paralytic ileus — bowel paralysis leading to absent bowel sounds, not loud ones.
❌ Hypoactivity — describes decreased bowel sounds, opposite of the finding.
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This question is from PN Fundamentals 2023 Dec 2025 which contains 72 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
- Domain: Fundamentals of Nursing
- Answer Choices: 4