During which part of a physical examination does the nurse generally check bowel sounds?

The practice of checking bowel sounds typically occurs before percussion of the abdomen. This order is important because auscultation (listening for bowel sounds) should be performed prior to any manipulation of the abdomen, which could potentially alter the sounds the nurse is trying to assess.

By auscultating first, the nurse can gain an accurate understanding of the presence, frequency, and quality of bowel sounds. Percussion and palpation can stimulate the bowel and may lead to changes in the sounds heard during auscultation, possibly masking important findings. Therefore, it is crucial to listen to the bowel sounds before proceeding to percussion or any other techniques that might interfere with the natural sounds originating from the gastrointestinal tract.

In summary, checking bowel sounds is a critical step in the physical examination of the abdomen, specifically oriented before percussion to ensure accurate and meaningful assessment of gastrointestinal function.