Borborygmi

Definition

Borborygmi are loud, rumbling, or gurgling bowel sounds produced by the movement of fluid and gas through the intestines. While some sounds are normal, excessively loud or frequent borborygmi may indicate pathology.

Causes

• Hunger (normal)
• Diarrhea and gastroenteritis
• Early bowel obstruction (prior to silence in complete obstruction)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Malabsorption syndromes
• Laxative or bowel prep effect

Assessment

Auscultate all four abdominal quadrants for at least 1 minute each, such as grade sounds as absent, hypoactive, normal (5 to 30/minute), or hyperactive. Note character and association with pain or distention.

Nursing Considerations

Sudden absence of bowel sounds with distention and pain suggests obstruction or paralytic ileus (notify provider). Hyperactive sounds with cramping and diarrhea risk fluid/electrolyte imbalance; monitor I&O and serum electrolytes.

NCLEX Relevance

Assess bowel sounds BEFORE palpation of the abdomen to avoid false hyperactivity.