The nurse is completing an abdominal assessment and is percussing over the left side of the upper portion of the client's abdomen over the area of the stomach. The client states, "I haven't had my breakfast, yet." Based on this statement, which does the nurse anticipate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tympany is the expected sound when percussing over an empty stomach as air is present in the gastrointestinal tract. Dullness may indicate solid organs or a full bladder, while flatness may indicate fluid or a tumor. Hyperresonance may indicate gas in the intestines, which can be a normal finding or may be associated with conditions such as bowel obstruction. However, in this case, the client's statement suggests an empty stomach and thus tympany is the expected finding.

The Nurse Is Completing an Abdominal Assessment and Is Percussing