AEMCA Practice Exam

What is one of the main effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl?

1. They dehydrate the body

2. They bind to opioid receptors and alleviate pain

3. They increase production of cortisol

4. They lower body temperature significantly

The correct answer is: They bind to opioid receptors and alleviate pain

One of the main effects of synthetic opioids like fentanyl is that they bind to opioid receptors and alleviate pain. Opioids work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body, which leads to a decrease in the perception of pain. This mechanism not only helps to manage chronic and acute pain but also induces feelings of euphoria, making opioids both effective for pain relief and potentially addictive. When comparing this effect to the other options, while synthetic opioids can have a range of effects on the body, their primary function in a clinical context is pain relief achieved through interaction with the body’s opioid receptor system. The impact on dehydration, cortisol production, or body temperature is not the main function or intended use of these substances in medical treatments. Instead, those effects may be secondary or incidental and do not capture the primary therapeutic action of synthetic opioids.