Narcotics are a listed cause of constipation in enteral nutrition. True or False?

Narcotics are a listed cause of constipation in enteral nutrition. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only in children

Answer: (A)

Opioid medications slow gut motility by activating mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces propulsion and increases fluid absorption. This directly leads to constipation, so narcotics are a recognized cause of constipation in patients on enteral nutrition. Understanding this helps clinicians anticipate and manage the issue, using bowel regimens and, when possible, opioid-sparing strategies or targeted antagonists to improve bowel movement while preserving pain control.

Opioid medications slow gut motility by activating mu receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, which reduces propulsion and increases fluid absorption. This directly leads to constipation, so narcotics are a recognized cause of constipation in patients on enteral nutrition. Understanding this helps clinicians anticipate and manage the issue, using bowel regimens and, when possible, opioid-sparing strategies or targeted antagonists to improve bowel movement while preserving pain control.