A nurse is preparing to administer Acetaminophen to a pediatric patient for pain management.
The child’s mother expresses concern about the medication, asking the nurse how it works.
Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?

“Acetaminophen works by increasing the body’s production of natural painkillers.”..

“Acetaminophen works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which helps reduce pain and fever.”..

“Acetaminophen works by blocking the action of a specific enzyme in the body.”..

“Acetaminophen works by reducing the production of substances that cause inflammation and pain.”..

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The correct answer is Choice B

Choice A rationale: Acetaminophen does not stimulate endogenous opioid production or increase natural painkillers like endorphins. Endorphins are peptides produced by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during stress or pain, but acetaminophen lacks direct action on these pathways. Its analgesic effect is not mediated through opioid receptors. Therefore, this explanation misrepresents the pharmacodynamics of acetaminophen, which does not modulate endogenous painkiller synthesis. The mechanism is more central and prostaglandin-related, not involving increased production of natural analgesics.

Choice B rationale: Acetaminophen primarily acts by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, especially COX-2, in the central nervous system. This inhibition reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that sensitize nociceptors and mediate fever via the hypothalamus. By lowering prostaglandin levels centrally, acetaminophen effectively reduces pain and fever without significant anti-inflammatory effects. Normal prostaglandin levels vary, but elevated levels correlate with inflammation and pyrexia. This central COX inhibition explains its analgesic and antipyretic properties.

Choice C rationale: While partially correct, this explanation lacks specificity. Acetaminophen inhibits the COX enzyme, particularly a variant known as COX-3 in the brain, but it does not block all enzymes indiscriminately. The term “specific enzyme” is vague and could mislead patients into thinking it targets a unique or singular enzyme unrelated to prostaglandin synthesis. The scientific mechanism involves selective central inhibition of prostaglandin-producing enzymes, not broad enzymatic blockade. Therefore, the explanation is incomplete and lacks clarity.

Choice D rationale: This explanation implies peripheral anti-inflammatory action, which acetaminophen does not possess. Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen has minimal effect on peripheral COX enzymes and does not significantly reduce inflammation. It lacks efficacy in conditions requiring anti-inflammatory action, such as arthritis. Substances like prostaglandins and leukotrienes mediate inflammation, but acetaminophen’s action is limited to central prostaglandin inhibition. Thus, describing it as reducing inflammatory substances is misleading, as it does not alter peripheral inflammatory pathways or markers like CRP or ESR.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Taking ibuprofen with food is a common recommendation to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.

It is a responsible choice, and the client's statement indicates understanding.

Choice B rationale:

Avoiding ibuprofen if the client has asthma is a prudent decision.

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can exacerbate asthma symptoms in some individuals, so this statement also shows good awareness on the client's part.

Choice C rationale:

Avoiding ibuprofen during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is a necessary precaution.

Ibuprofen is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it can have adverse effects on the developing fetus.

It can also pass into breast milk and affect the nursing infant.

This statement reflects appropriate knowledge.

The correct answer is choice D because the statement "I will take ibuprofen as needed, up to the maximum recommended daily dose" indicates a potential lack of understanding.

It's important for clients to be aware of the maximum recommended dose of ibuprofen, as exceeding this limit can lead to adverse effects, including gastrointestinal problems and an increased risk of bleeding.

Clients should be advised to follow the dosing instructions provided by their healthcare provider or on the medication label to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

A. Fentanyl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain. B. Fentanyl is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering perception and response to painful stimuli. C. Fentanyl is similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen but is typically used for more severe pain. D. Fentanyl works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Fentanyl is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and pain.

This statement is incorrect.

Fentanyl is not an NSAID.

It is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering the perception and response to painful stimuli.

It is used for severe pain management and is unrelated to NSAIDs.

Choice B rationale:

Fentanyl is an opioid medication that binds to opioid receptors, altering perception and response to painful stimuli.

This is the accurate response.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, altering the perception of pain and the body's response to painful stimuli.

It is a powerful analgesic for severe pain.

Choice C rationale:

Fentanyl is similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen but is typically used for more severe pain.

This statement is misleading.

Fentanyl is not similar to Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.

While all three medications have pain-relieving properties, Fentanyl is a much stronger opioid used for severe pain, while Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are milder, non-opioid analgesics.

Choice D rationale:

Fentanyl works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, similar to Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

This statement is inaccurate.

Fentanyl's mechanism of action is different from Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.

While Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, Fentanyl acts by binding to opioid receptors and modulating pain perception centrally, without affecting prostaglandins.

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A nurse is preparing to administer Acetaminophen to a pediatric patient for pain management. The child’s mother expresses concern about the medication, asking the nurse how it works. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is scheduled to receive ibuprofen for pain management.Which of the following statements by the client would indicate that the nurse needs to provide further education?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who has been prescribed Fentanyl for severe pain asks the nurse about how this medication differs from over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most accurate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A nurse is educating a group of parents about the different pharmacological interventions for pain relief in children.Which medication is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)?

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A nurse is preparing to administer Acetaminophen to a pediatric patient for pain management.
The child’s mother expresses concern about the medication, asking the nurse how it works.
Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?