What indicates paralytic ileus?

What indicates paralytic ileus?

• A. Cramping
• B. Normal bowel sounds
• C. Absent bowel sounds
• D. Hyperactive bowel sounds

Answer: (C)

Paralytic ileus is a temporary loss of bowel movement, often after surgery or illness, so the intestines aren’t contracting normally. With no ongoing peristalsis, there’s little or no sound produced by the gut on auscultation—that’s why absent bowel sounds are the telltale sign. Cramping would mean active contractions trying to move contents, which isn’t happening in ileus. Normal bowel sounds mean motility is functioning, and hyperactive sounds suggest increased activity as seen with early obstruction or gastroenteritis, not a paralytic ileus. So the absence of bowel sounds best indicates paralytic ileus.

Paralytic ileus is a temporary loss of bowel movement, often after surgery or illness, so the intestines aren’t contracting normally. With no ongoing peristalsis, there’s little or no sound produced by the gut on auscultation—that’s why absent bowel sounds are the telltale sign. Cramping would mean active contractions trying to move contents, which isn’t happening in ileus. Normal bowel sounds mean motility is functioning, and hyperactive sounds suggest increased activity as seen with early obstruction or gastroenteritis, not a paralytic ileus. So the absence of bowel sounds best indicates paralytic ileus.