A nurse is educating a client about the pharmacological management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Which class of medications is considered the first-line treatment to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in this condition?

Choice A rationale:

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are not typically considered first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis.

While they are used in some cases, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the primary first-line treatment for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis.

They help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in affected individuals.

This class of medication is often effective in managing the symptoms of the disease.

Choice C rationale:

Biologic agents are typically reserved for individuals with Ankylosing Spondylitis who do not respond adequately to NSAIDs or have severe, progressive disease.

They are not the first-line treatment option.

Choice D rationale:

Corticosteroids may be used in some cases to manage acute symptoms or as a short-term intervention, but they are not considered the first-line treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis due to their potential side effects and limited long-term efficacy.

Choice A rationale:

"The inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily occurs in the peripheral joints." Rationale: This statement is incorrect.

Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily affects the axial skeleton, including the spine and sacroiliac joints.

Peripheral joint involvement is less common and usually occurs in the later stages of the disease.

Choice B rationale:

"Immune cells infiltrate muscles, leading to muscle wasting in Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Ankylosing Spondylitis primarily involves inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, rather than muscle tissue.

Muscle wasting is not a characteristic feature of AS.

Choice C rationale:

"Pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-17 contribute to inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis." Rationale: This statement is correct.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17).

These cytokines play a key role in the inflammation and tissue damage seen in AS.

Choice D rationale:

"The chronic inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis causes cartilage regeneration." Rationale: This statement is not accurate.

Chronic inflammation in AS can lead to structural damage and fusion of the spinal vertebrae (ankylosis), but it does not promote cartilage regeneration.