A nurse working in a hospital included abdominal assessment as part of patient assessment. In which patient would a nurse expect to find decreased or absent bowel sounds after listening for 5 minutes?

Choice A reason: Gastroenteritis increases bowel motility due to inflammation and irritation, leading to hyperactive bowel sounds. Absent or decreased sounds are unlikely, as the gut remains active, often producing rushing or high-pitched sounds. Choice B reason: Early bowel obstruction typically causes hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds due to increased peristalsis against the obstruction. Decreased or absent sounds may occur later in complete obstruction, but early stages are characterized by increased activity. Choice C reason: Paralytic ileus, often post-abdominal surgery, halts peristalsis due to anesthesia, opioid use, or inflammation, resulting in decreased or absent bowel sounds. This reflects temporary gut paralysis, making it the expected finding after 5 minutes of auscultation. Choice D reason: Diarrhea is associated with hyperactive bowel sounds due to rapid intestinal transit and fluid movement. The increased motility produces audible gurgling, making decreased or absent sounds unlikely in this condition.