A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about bowel sounds. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse use to describe hyperactive bowel sounds?

Choice A rationale: Soft bowel sounds at a rate of 1 per minute describe hypoactive bowel sounds, which indicate decreased motility. This choice does not describe hyperactive bowel sounds. Choice B rationale: High-pitched bowel sounds are characteristic of hyperactive bowel sounds. These sounds are associated with increased motility and can indicate conditions such as diarrhea or early bowel obstruction. This choice correctly describes hyperactive bowel sounds. Choice C rationale: The absence of bowel sounds after listening for 3 to 5 minutes is indicative of absent or hypoactive bowel sounds, not hyperactive bowel sounds.