Question

3 possible diagnoses for patients with hyperactive bowel sound, lower lew quadrant pain with slight fever?

Answer 1

Most nurses carry out a cursory listen for bowel sounds, but you may not realise how variable and important these sounds can be. As with most things learned at university, it is easy to forget the particulars once you are working on a nursing floor. Instead of really focusing on the sounds, you may simply write down what you think you hear.

Hyperactive bowel sounds, on the other hand, may indicate stomach upset, cramping and anything that is increasing peristalsis. The location and pitch of the sounds are important as well. Hypoactive bowel sounds in the right upper quadrant could indicate a bowel obstruction there. The pitch is important, too, as it can indicate the strength of the peristalsis and point to a problem.

*Diagnosis -

In cases in which a cause for hyperactive bowel sounds is not known, the doctor will ask you the following:

• The time of your last bowel movement
• How often you urinate
• The consistency of stool (watery or shaped)
• If there is blood around or in the stool
• If you have bleeding from the rectum
• If you are dizzy or have cramps, pain, fever or nausea
• What foods and drinks you consume
• If you have had any recent changes in your weight
• The medications you take
• If and when you have traveled recently