MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -Presence. Normally, bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants. This means that peristalsis is occurring and contents are moving through the intestines. Only document the absence of bowel sounds after listening in each quadrant for five minutes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Normally, the bowel sounds are intermittent, low-pitched, chuckling sounds. Bowel sounds may be decreased or increased in disease states. Ileus is a failure of peristalsis and is the normal physiologic response of the intestine to laparotomy or peritoneal inflammation.

Detailed explanation-3: -◂ Auscultate for bowel sounds. Begin in the right lower quadrant (RLQ), and move in sequence up to the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), and finally the left lower quadrant (LLQ).

Detailed explanation-4: -Normal findings on percussion include tympany over the stomach, epigastric area, and upper midline, and dullness over the liver, a full bladder, a pregnant uterus and the left lower quadrant over the sigmoid colon (if the patient is ready to have a bowel movement).