Final answer:
Opioids are used in Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) for their analgesic effects and to mitigate the stress response to intubation, ensuring a smoother procedure with minimized risks of hemodynamic fluctuations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of opioids in Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI) is to provide analgesia and blunt the stress responses associated with intubation. Rapid Sequence Induction is a medical technique used to provide prompt endotracheal intubation in patients who require immediate airway management, such as those with a full stomach or at risk of aspiration. Opioids, such as fentanyl, are often used during RSI because of their ability to quickly reduce pain and minimize sympathetic stimulation that can lead to undesirable hemodynamic responses, like increased blood pressure and heart rate, during the procedure.