Non-mechanical obstruction can occur when the muscles within the small or large intestine no longer work.Nonmechanical causes include previous abdominal surgery sepsis,peritonitis,abdominal traum, ulcer disease.
When auscultating the abdomen, follow the route of the large intestines: right lower quadrant,, right upper quadrant,, left upper quadran, to left lower quadran. Listen to each quadrant for 15 seconds