Which of the following is a sign of partial small-bowel obstruction?

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The main idea is the auscultatory finding in a partial small-bowel obstruction. When a partial obstruction exists, the bowel responds with increased peristaltic activity as it tries to move contents past the narrowed segment. That ongoing movement produces high-pitched, tinkling sounds heard with a stethoscope. These sounds reflect active flow of gas and fluid through a partially obstructed lumen.

Watery diarrhea is not typical of SBO; obstruction tends to reduce stool passage and can cause vomiting and dehydration rather than loose, watery stools. Pronounced abdominal distention can occur but is not as specific to partial SBO as the characteristic hyperactive, high-pitched sounds. Absent bowel sounds suggest a late or complete obstruction or an ileus, not a partial obstruction.

So, the presence of high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds best indicates a partial small-bowel obstruction.