A 79-year-old male resident of a long-term care facility has contracted Clostridium difficile and is experiencing consequent diarrhea. Auscultation of the man's abdomen indicates hyperactive bowel sounds. What process in the man's small intestine is most likely accompanying his current status?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inflammation of the small intestine is accompanied by an increase in motility, an effect that is the result of increased peristaltic waves. Segmentation waves are responsible primarily for mixing rather than moving food. Neither dilation nor inadequate slowing of passage contents is responsible for the increase in motility.

A 79-Year-Old Male Resident of a Long-Term Care Facility Has