When assessing the abdomen of a patient who has fluid in the peritoneal cavity, the nurse expects what change to occur when the patient turns from supine to the left side?
A) Movement of the tympanic tones from lateral in the supine position to closer to midline when lying on the left side
B) Movement of the dull tones from lateral in the supine position to closer to midline when lying on the left side
C) Change in bowel sounds from hypoactive in the supine position to hyperactive when lying on the left side
D) Change in bowel sounds from hyperactive in the supine position to hypoactive when lying on the left side

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Movement of the dull tones from lateral in the supine position to closer to midline when lying on the left side is the expected change when assessing for shifting dullness. Movement of the tympanic tones from lateral in the supine position to closer to midline when lying on the left side is incorrect because the tone will be dull, rather than tympanic, due to the fluid. A change in bowel sounds from hypoactive in the supine position to hyperactive when lying on the left side is incorrect because bowel sounds would not be affected by the fluid. A change in bowel sounds shifting from hyperactive in the supine position to hypoactive when lying on the left side is incorrect because bowel sounds would not be affected by the fluid.

When Assessing the Abdomen of a Patient Who Has Fluid