Which of the following is a sign of food blockage?

• A. High-pitched bowel sounds
• B. Low-pitched bowel sounds
• C. Normal bowel sounds
• D. No bowel sounds

Answer: (A)

Blockage causes the intestine to work harder to move contents past the obstruction, which often produces high-pitched, tinkling sounds as air and fluid rush through the narrowed segment. This pattern is typical of a partial obstruction like a food blockage, especially early on when peristalsis is trying to overcome the blockage. As the blockage worsens, sounds can fade or disappear, but the presence of high-pitched sounds is the strongest clue among the options. Low-pitched or normal bowel sounds don’t reflect active obstruction, and no bowel sounds tends to indicate a later, more serious stage or another complication rather than the initial sign of a food blockage.