Which patient is most at risk for increased peristalsis?

Increased peristalsis is often associated with the body's response to stress and the need for quick digestion and elimination. In this scenario, the 21-year-old female who is facing three final examinations on the same day is likely experiencing significant stress. Stress can stimulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to increased motility in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This increased motility often manifests as increased peristalsis, leading to more frequent bowel movements.

The other patients present factors that may not contribute to increased peristalsis in the same way. The 5-year-old child may be holding in stools due to embarrassment, which could actually lead to decreased urgency for defecation. The 40-year-old female with major depressive disorder may have slowed GI motility due to the effects of depression. Lastly, the 80-year-old male in assisted living may have a decline in GI function related to age, often resulting in decreased peristalsis rather than an increase. Therefore, the individual facing acute stress from impending examinations is most at risk for increased peristalsis.