What finding is expected when percussing a client's bladder if it is distended?

When percussing a distended bladder, dull sounds are expected due to the nature of the tissue and fluid within the bladder. Dullness occurs when the sound waves encounter a fluid-filled organ, which does not resonate like air-filled spaces. In contrast, air-filled structures, like the lungs, produce resonance or higher-pitched sounds. A distended bladder, being filled with urine, will not exhibit these characteristics; instead, its solid and fluid contents create a dull tone that indicates fullness. Recognizing the specific sound produced when percussing different organs is essential for clinicians as it aids in understanding a patient’s condition, such as urinary retention, where the bladder is unable to empty effectively, leading to distension.