A 75-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department Due

A 75-year-old man is brought to the emergency department due to worsening generalized abdominal pain and nausea for the past 2 days.  He has multiple chronic medical conditions and resides at a nursing facility.  Temperature is 37.2 C (99 F) , blood pressure is 128/74 mm Hg, and pulse is 94/min.  Abdominal examination shows distension and diffuse tenderness without rigidity or rebound tenderness.  Abdominal x-ray is shown in the image below: Which of the following factors in this patient's history most likely increased the risk for developing this condition?

A) Chronic constipation
B) Colonic hypermotility
C) Electrolyte abnormalities
D) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
E) Recent antibiotic therapy

Correct Answer:

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