Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Complete Practice Exam

Glucagon is primarily known for its role in raising blood glucose levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, especially in situations of hypoglycemia. One of the important uses of glucagon in medical practice is its ability to relax smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract. This property can be particularly useful in cases where it is necessary to promote the passage of foreign bodies through the gastrointestinal system. By relaxing the smooth muscles, glucagon can help facilitate the movement of these objects, making it easier for them to pass or be treated. This therapeutic approach is often leveraged in emergency situations where foreign bodies may pose a risk to the patient's health.

While glucagon does have other effects such as promoting fat breakdown and influencing appetite under specific conditions, its direct clinical application in the context of muscle relaxation for foreign body passage is a more targeted use of the hormone in practice.