An 80-year-old man has been experiencing fecal incontinence.Which of the following is the most likely cause of this disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fecal incontinence can develop in the older adult because of denervation of the sensory receptors in the muscles surrounding the rectum.This interferes with the ability to detect changes in pressure in the rectum.Degeneration of the rectal wall's afferent neurons creates a decrease in internal rectal sphincter tone.A decline in large bowel transit and a decrease in fecal water excretion lead to constipation.The older adult experiences impaired nutrient absorption because of a decrease in intestinal mobility and absorption.

An 80-Year-Old Man Has Been Experiencing Fecal Incontinence