Which assessment finding would indicate to the nurse that a client's gastrointestinal tract is functioning adequately?
1. Peristaltic waves seen upon inspection of the abdomen
2. Lack of a bowel movement for several days
3. Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants of the abdomen
4. Active bowel sounds in all four quadrants of the abdomen
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The nurse should not see peristaltic waves by inspecting the abdomen.
Rationale 2: The frequency of bowel movements differs from person to person. Lack of a bowel movement for several days does not indicate adequate or inadequate functioning of the GI tract.
Rationale 3: Hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants of the abdomen do not indicate adequate peristaltic waves or adequate functioning.
Rationale 4: Active bowel sounds are an indication of peristaltic waves and adequate functioning of the GI tract.
Global Rationale: Active bowel sounds, not hypoactive bowel sounds, are an indication of peristaltic waves and adequate functioning of the GI tract. Frequency of bowel movements is not a reliable indicator as this pattern varies widely from individual to individual. The nurse should not be able to see peristaltic waves by inspecting the abdomen.
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