A nurse is caring for a client who has arthritis and takes acetaminophen daily for pain relief. The client asks the nurse why acetaminophen does not reduce the inflammation in his joints.
Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
“Acetaminophen works by blocking prostaglandins in your brain, but not in your peripheral tissues.”
“Acetaminophen works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, but not cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme.”
“Acetaminophen works by decreasing the production of leukotrienes, but not histamines.”
“Acetaminophen works by reducing the activity of natural killer cells, but not macrophages.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Acetaminophen works by blocking prostaglandins in your brain, but not in your peripheral tissues. Prostaglandins are substances that cause pain and inflammation. By blocking them in the brain, acetaminophen reduces the perception of pain, but does not affect the inflammation in the joints.
Choice B is wrong because acetaminophen does not inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. COX-2 inhibitors are a different class of drugs that can reduce both pain and inflammation.
Choice C is wrong because acetaminophen does not decrease the production of leukotrienes, which are another type of inflammatory mediators. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Choice D is wrong because acetaminophen does not reduce the activity of natural killer cells, which are part of the immune system and can destroy infected or abnormal cells.
Natural killer cells are not directly related to pain or inflammation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant drug that can induce the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the liver.These enzymes are responsible for metabolizing acetaminophen into a toxic intermediate called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which can cause liver injury by depleting glutathione and covalently binding to cellular proteins. Therefore, taking carbamazepine with acetaminophen can increase the risk of hepatotoxicity by enhancing the formation of NAPQI.
Choice A is wrong because warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that does not affect the metabolism of acetaminophen.However, acetaminophen can increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by inhibiting its metabolism, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C is wrong because furosemide is a diuretic drug that does not interact with acetaminophen.However, furosemide can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect liver function and increase the susceptibility to acetaminophen-induced liver injury.
Choice D is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that does not affect the metabolism of acetaminophen.However, ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal irritation and renal impairment, which can also increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced liver injury.Additionally, taking both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can increase the risk of overdose and toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should use oral liquid acetaminophen to administer the drug to a child who has a fever caused by immunization.This is because oral liquid is easier to swallow and measure for children than oral tablets or capsules.Oral liquid acetaminophen also has a faster onset of action than rectal suppositories.
Choice A is wrong because oral tablets are not suitable for children who may have difficulty swallowing pills.Crushing the tablets may alter the drug’s effectiveness or cause adverse effects.
Choice C is wrong because rectal suppositories are not the preferred route of administration for acetaminophen in children.Rectal suppositories may cause irritation, leakage, or expulsion of the drug.They also have a slower onset of action and variable absorption than oral liquid.
Choice D is wrong because intravenous injection is not an over-the-counter form of acetaminophen.Intravenous injection is a prescription form that is used for severe pain or fever in hospitalized patients.It also requires special equipment and monitoring that are not available at home.
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