Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the CNRN Exam. Test your knowledge with our comprehensive multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your chances of a successful exam outcome!

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Which medication is commonly used for the prevention of postoperative ileus?

Loperamide
Alvimopan
Metoclopramide
Diphenoxylate

The correct answer is: Alvimopan

Alvimopan is specifically designed for the prevention of postoperative ileus, particularly in patients undergoing bowel resection surgery. It is a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, which works by blocking the effects of opioids on the gut without affecting pain relief. This mechanism helps stimulate bowel motility and significantly reduces the time to recovery of bowel function following surgery, thereby lowering the incidence of ileus. In contrast, loperamide and diphenoxylate are medications that primarily act to reduce diarrhea rather than promote bowel function. Metoclopramide is primarily used as an antiemetic and to enhance gastrointestinal motility, but it is not specifically indicated for the prevention of postoperative ileus, particularly in patients receiving opioid medication. Thus, alvimopan is the appropriate choice for this scenario.