CRNI Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

Opioids are widely known to produce a variety of side effects, and one of the most commonly reported is constipation. This side effect occurs due to the way opioids interact with the nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. Opioids bind to specific receptors in the body, which decreases gastrointestinal motility, leading to slower movement of food through the intestines. This slowdown causes increased water absorption in the intestines, resulting in harder and drier stools, thus making bowel movements more difficult and infrequent.

In contrast, increased appetite is not typically associated with opioids; in fact, some people may experience a decrease in appetite. Weight loss can occur due to decreased food intake or nausea, which is also a potential side effect of opioid use. Dry skin is not specifically linked to opioids either and can arise from a variety of other causes unrelated to their use. Overall, constipation stands out as a significant and well-documented consequence of opioid therapy, highlighting the importance of monitoring gastrointestinal health in patients who are prescribed these medications.