In small bowel obstruction, how do bowel sounds typically progress on examination?

In small bowel obstruction, how do bowel sounds typically progress on examination?

• A. From hyperactive to absent
• B. From absent to hyperactive
• C. From hyperactive to present
• D. Always hyperactive

Answer: (A)

In small bowel obstruction, bowel sounds reflect how peristalsis responds to the blockage. Early on, the bowel works harder to move contents past the obstruction, producing loud, high‑pitched, hyperactive sounds. As distention and fatigue set in and motility diminishes, those sounds fade and can become absent. So the typical progression is from hyperactive to absent sounds. The other patterns don’t fit the course of evolving obstruction, since a late silent abdomen is common and a constant hyperactive or absent pattern throughout is not.

In small bowel obstruction, bowel sounds reflect how peristalsis responds to the blockage. Early on, the bowel works harder to move contents past the obstruction, producing loud, high‑pitched, hyperactive sounds. As distention and fatigue set in and motility diminishes, those sounds fade and can become absent. So the typical progression is from hyperactive to absent sounds. The other patterns don’t fit the course of evolving obstruction, since a late silent abdomen is common and a constant hyperactive or absent pattern throughout is not.