NREMT Advanced EMT Practice Test #4

Answer - C - In the case of a ruptured diaphragm, bowel sounds will be heard in the chest. Bowel sounds in the chest following penetrating trauma to either the lower chest or the upper abdomen usually indicate a ruptured diaphragm. On inspiration, the negative pressure in the chest draws the intestines through the hole in the diaphragm into the chest, resulting in bowel sounds in the lower lobes. This usually occurs on the left side, as the right sided of the diaphragm is protected by the liver.