A nursing student asks how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work to suppress inflammation and reduce pain. The nurse will explain that NSAIDs
inhibit cyclooxygenase that is necessary for prostaglandin synthesis.
exert direct actions to cause relaxation of smooth muscle.
suppress prostaglandin activity by blocking tissue receptor sites.
interfere with neuronal pathways associated with prostaglandin action.
The Correct Answer is A
A) Inhibit cyclooxygenase that is necessary for prostaglandin synthesis:
NSAIDs primarily work by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which plays a crucial role in the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever in response to injury or infection. By blocking COX, NSAIDs reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby decreasing inflammation and alleviating pain and fever.
B) Exert direct actions to cause relaxation of smooth muscle:
NSAIDs do not directly cause the relaxation of smooth muscle. While some other classes of drugs (e.g., bronchodilators) target smooth muscle relaxation, NSAIDs primarily work by reducing the production of prostaglandins, which in turn alleviates inflammation and pain. They do not have a significant effect on smooth muscle tone itself.
C) Suppress prostaglandin activity by blocking tissue receptor sites:
NSAIDs do not block the receptor sites for prostaglandins; rather, they inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme, which is responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandins. This reduces the overall production of prostaglandins, rather than blocking their activity at the receptor level.
D) Interfere with neuronal pathways associated with prostaglandin action:
While NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin production, they do not directly interfere with neuronal pathways associated with prostaglandin action. They act primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme to reduce the synthesis of prostaglandins at the site of injury or inflammation, rather than by modulating specific neural pathways.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor primarily used in cases of shock to increase blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. However, it does not have a vasodilatory effect on renal blood vessels. Instead, it tends to decrease renal perfusion due to its strong vasoconstrictor properties, which could worsen renal insufficiency.
B) Dopamine: Dopamine is a catecholamine that has a dose-dependent effect on various receptors. At low doses, dopamine specifically acts on dopaminergic receptors in the kidneys, leading to vasodilation of renal blood vessels, which can improve renal perfusion. This makes it particularly useful in treating shock when there is concern about renal insufficiency or reduced kidney function.
C) Acetylcholine: Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system, not a catecholamine. It is involved in promoting various physiological effects such as slowing the heart rate and stimulating digestive processes, but it does not have a specific role in vasodilation of renal blood vessels or shock management.
D) Enkephalin: Enkephalins are endogenous peptides involved in the regulation of pain and stress responses. They do not have a direct effect on vasodilation of renal blood vessels. Enkephalins are not typically used to treat shock or manage renal insufficiency.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Irritable bowel disease: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that can reduce gastrointestinal motility, which might exacerbate constipation. However, irritable bowel disease (IBD) is not a contraindication for using benztropine. The drug is more likely to cause concern in conditions where smooth muscle relaxation could worsen symptoms of constipation, but it is not typically withheld due to IBD alone.
B) Glaucoma: Glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, is a contraindication for benztropine use. Benztropine, as an anticholinergic agent, can cause pupil dilation (mydriasis), which can increase intraocular pressure and worsen glaucoma. This is a critical concern for patients with glaucoma, and the healthcare provider should be notified before administering the drug.
C) Asthma: While benztropine can have mild anticholinergic effects that may cause dryness of the respiratory tract, it is not a contraindication for asthma. Beta-agonist inhalers are more commonly prescribed to manage bronchospasm, but the use of benztropine in asthma is not typically harmful unless the patient is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Asthma would not be a primary concern when administering this medication.
D) Hypertension: Benztropine does not directly affect blood pressure in a way that would be a concern for someone with hypertension. While it may cause some mild autonomic changes (like dry mouth or dizziness), hypertension is not a contraindication for the medication. Therefore, there is no specific need to notify the healthcare provider due to a history of hypertension.
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