Objective — observe

• Abdominal inspection — distension, contour, and any visible peristalsis.
• Bowel sounds by quadrant and the response to palpation — tenderness, guarding, rigidity, rebound, and masses.
• Stool appearance where observed, and the stoma and peristomal skin.
• Signs of dehydration from GI losses (with Hydration) and of bleeding (pallor, hemodynamic change).