Which is the most important action for the nurse to perform when assessing bowel sounds?
a. Ask the client if she has lost or gained any weight.
b. Listen for up to 5 minutes when auscultating for bowel sounds.
c. Perform a rectal exam. Inspect the client's abdomen while she is in a semi-Fowler's position.
d. Begin auscultation in the right lower quadrant.