Which symptom is characteristic of a patient on Benztropine who experiences a malfunction of nerve and muscle function in the intestine?

The presence of paralytic ileus in a patient who is taking Benztropine is attributed to the medication's anticholinergic properties. Benztropine is primarily used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and certain side effects of antipsychotic medications. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the nervous system, which can lead to decreased intestinal motility and the dysfunction of nerve and muscle function in the intestines.

When there is a malfunction in nerve and muscle function, the result is an absence of peristalsis, which is the normal wave-like contractions that move food through the digestive tract. This condition—a form of intestinal obstruction—can cause the intestines to become distended and leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain and inability to pass gas or stool. Therefore, paralytic ileus is a significant concern for patients on Benztropine, distinguishing it from other gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, or gastroenteritis, which do not specifically reflect the dysfunction caused by the medication's interference with normal intestinal motility.