As gastrointestinal function declines, what happens to fluid production and related symptoms?

• A. Fluid production increases; nausea worsens
• B. Nausea decreases slightly but distention worsens
• C. Fluid production decreases, reducing nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention
• D. Urine output increases, increasing the need for urinary catheters

Answer: (C)

When GI function declines, secretory activity in the GI tract diminishes, so less fluid is produced and released into the gut. That reduction lowers the irritation and triggers that contribute to nausea and vomiting, and with less luminal content, there’s less material to cause abdominal distention. Urine output isn’t driven by GI secretions, so it doesn’t address the GI changes here. So the overall effect is decreased fluid production, which tends to reduce nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention.