In a patient with hypoactive bowel sounds, which of the following is not typically a cause?

In the context of hypoactive bowel sounds, it's important to first understand the conditions that typically lead to decreased bowel activity. Hypoactive bowel sounds are often associated with a range of gastrointestinal issues that disrupt normal bowel motility.

Peritonitis, for instance, is an inflammation of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) that can lead to a cessation of bowel sounds due to the involvement of the gut in a pathological process. Similarly, a paralytic ileus is a condition where the intestines are functionally obstructed, often due to a decrease in or absence of intestinal movement, leading to absent or hypoactive bowel sounds. Constipation can also contribute to hypoactive bowel sounds since the buildup of fecal matter can hinder movement through the intestines.

On the other hand, norovirus is a viral infection known to cause gastroenteritis, which typically increases gastrointestinal activity leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and often hyperactive bowel sounds rather than hypoactive ones. Norovirus infection is characterized by increased motility and consequently is not associated with hypoactive bowel sounds, making it the option least likely to correlate with a reduction in bowel sounds.