The nurse is watching a new graduate nurse perform auscultation of a patient’s abdomen. Which statement by the new graduate shows a correct understanding of the reason auscultation precedes percussion and palpation of the abdomen?

Choice A reason: Tenderness is assessed by palpation, not auscultation, which focuses on sounds. Auscultation precedes to avoid altering bowel sounds, so this is incorrect for the reason given. Choice B reason: Patient relaxation is beneficial but not the primary reason for auscultation first. Preventing bowel sound distortion by avoiding percussion and palpation is key, so this is incorrect. Choice C reason: Vascular sounds like bruits are less affected by percussion/palpation than bowel sounds. Bowel sound distortion is the main concern, so this is incorrect for the primary reason. Choice D reason: Auscultation before percussion and palpation prevents distortion of bowel sounds, which can be altered by manipulation. This is the correct reason, reflecting proper abdominal assessment technique.