Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free CGRN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for steroid-responsive inflammatory bowel disease because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that effectively reduce inflammation and manage symptoms in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By suppressing the immune response, corticosteroids can alleviate the acute manifestations of inflammation and allow for a period of remission. They work quickly, which is beneficial for patients experiencing flares of their condition.

Other treatment options, while relevant in the broader context of managing inflammatory bowel disease, do not directly address the immediate need for anti-inflammatory effects provided by corticosteroids. For instance, immunotherapy targets different immune pathways and may take time to show effectiveness, making it less suitable for acute management. Radical surgery is a last resort for severe cases and does not serve as a primary treatment for inflammation. Hematopoietic therapy, often used for hematological disorders, is not a standard treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and would not be considered primary therapy in this context. Thus, corticosteroids remain the cornerstone for effectively treating steroid-responsive inflammatory bowel disease.