Next, auscultate the abdomen.

Move the stethoscope in a symmetrical pattern, listening in all four quadrants.

a. Listen for bowel sounds. The best location is below and to the right of the umbilicus.

b. Describe the sounds heard according to location, frequency, and character of the sound.

c. Abnormalities include absent bowel sounds and the peristaltic rush of a hyperactive bowel.