Which of the following describes a consequence of immobility on the gastrointestinal system?

• A. Reduced peristaltic motility and constipation
• B. Increased appetite and weight gain
• C. Diarrhea and dehydration
• D. Accelerated gastric emptying

Answer: (A)

When movement is limited, the gut’s rhythmic contractions slow down, reducing peristaltic motility. This longer transit time allows more water to be absorbed from stool in the large intestine, resulting in harder, drier stool and constipation. Immobility can also contribute to a transient ileus in hospitalized or severely ill patients, further decreasing motility.

The other options don’t fit with how immobility affects the GI tract. Increased appetite and weight gain aren’t a direct consequence of inactivity on gut motility, and diarrhea with dehydration implies faster or unregulated transit or another issue, not the typical immobility effect. Accelerated gastric emptying would mean faster movement, which is the opposite of what immobility usually does to the gastrointestinal system.