When assessing the client's abdomen, which finding is considered normal?

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Multiple Choice

When assessing the client's abdomen, which finding is considered normal?

Explanation:
Normal bowel motility across the abdomen indicates functioning intestines. When peristaltic activity is present in all quadrants, it shows the bowels are moving, which is what you’d expect in a healthy baseline exam. Distension suggests gas, fluid, or other issues and is typically abnormal. Hypoactive bowel sounds mean reduced activity and can be concerning in many contexts, while no bowel sounds imply a complete absence of motility, which is not normal. So, viable peristalsis in all quadrants best reflects a normal abdomen.

Normal bowel motility across the abdomen indicates functioning intestines. When peristaltic activity is present in all quadrants, it shows the bowels are moving, which is what you’d expect in a healthy baseline exam. Distension suggests gas, fluid, or other issues and is typically abnormal. Hypoactive bowel sounds mean reduced activity and can be concerning in many contexts, while no bowel sounds imply a complete absence of motility, which is not normal. So, viable peristalsis in all quadrants best reflects a normal abdomen.

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