A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has been prescribed an opioid analgesic for pain management following a hip replacement. The patient reports feeling nauseated and has not had a bowel movement in three days. Which explanation best describes why opioid analgesics commonly cause this gastrointestinal side effect?
- Opioids cause vasodilation of mesenteric vessels, drawing fluid away from the intestinal wall.
- Opioids stimulate histamine release in the gut, speeding up intestinal motility.
- Opioids increase prostaglandin production in the bowel, leading to excessive fluid absorption.
- Opioids bind to receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing peristalsis and reducing bowel motility.