A nurse assesses a patient’s abdomen. Which examination technique would aid the nurse in determining whether gas (air) in the bowel is causing distention rather than constipation?

Choice A reason: Inspection visually assesses abdominal shape and distention but cannot differentiate gas from constipation, as both may cause distention. It lacks the specificity to identify the cause, making it less effective for this purpose. Choice B reason: Auscultation assesses bowel sounds but cannot directly distinguish gas from constipation. Hyperactive sounds may suggest gas, but this is indirect, and constipation can also alter sounds, making this less specific than percussion. Choice C reason: Percussion produces a tympanic sound over gas-filled areas, indicating air in the bowel, versus a dull sound over solid masses like feces in constipation. This directly differentiates the cause of distention, making it the correct technique. Choice D reason: Palpation assesses tenderness or masses but cannot reliably distinguish gas from constipation, as both may feel firm or distended. It lacks the specificity of percussion’s auditory cues, making it less effective for this purpose.