Which of the following findings of an abdominal auscultation should a nurse report immediately to the doctor?

Correct option is A

A loud bruit over the aortic area is a significant abnormal finding that suggests turbulent blood flow, often due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This condition can be life-threatening if not managed promptly. Nurses must report this immediately as it may require urgent diagnostic evaluation and intervention to prevent rupture and potential fatality.
Explanation of options: (a) Loud bruit over the aortic area – This is the correct answer. It may indicate the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or arterial stenosis. This abnormal sound warrants immediate medical attention to rule out vascular emergencies. (b) Absence of arterial bruits – This is considered normal in most patients. The presence of bruits, not their absence, generally indicates abnormal turbulent flow. So this does not require urgent reporting. (c) Absence of bowel sounds for 20 seconds – Bowel sounds are typically assessed over a longer duration (2–5 minutes) before being considered absent. A 20-second gap is not significant and doesn't indicate an emergency. (d) High pitched bowel sounds – These may indicate increased peristalsis or an early phase of bowel obstruction. While they should be monitored, they are not as urgent as a loud abdominal bruit over the aorta.