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 ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Aromatherapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that can help provide pain relief.

Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils, and certain scents can have a calming and pain-relieving effect.

Choice B rationale:

Distraction techniques, such as engaging in activities or conversations that divert the patient's attention from pain, can be effective in providing pain relief.

These techniques can help reduce the perception of pain.

Choice C rationale:

Heat therapy, such as the application of warm compresses or heating pads, is a non-pharmacological intervention that can provide pain relief.

Heat can help relax muscles, increase blood flow, and reduce pain, especially in cases of muscle or joint discomfort.

Choice D rationale:

Cold therapy is not typically used for pediatric patients experiencing pain.

While cold therapy can be effective for certain conditions, such as reducing inflammation and swelling, it may not be as well-tolerated by children.

Choice E rationale:

Massage therapy is another non-pharmacological intervention that can help relieve pain in pediatric patients.

Massage can promote relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce muscle tension, leading to pain relief.

These interventions offer a comprehensive approach to pain management in pediatric patients, taking into account individual preferences and the nature of the pain.

A. Distraction techniques. B. Massage therapy. C. Breathing exercises. D. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) E. Opioids.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Distraction techniques are effective for pain relief in pediatric patients.

They involve diverting the child's attention away from the pain by engaging them in activities or offering stimuli that are interesting and enjoyable.

This can include playing games, watching videos, or using age-appropriate toys.

Distraction techniques help reduce the perception of pain by redirecting the child's focus, making it a valuable non-pharmacological approach in pediatric pain management.

Choice B rationale:

Massage therapy has already been discussed in, and its effectiveness in providing pain relief to pediatric patients without medication administration has been explained.

It can be a valuable technique for soothing discomfort and promoting relaxation.

Choice C rationale:

Breathing exercises are a non-pharmacological intervention that can help pediatric patients manage pain and anxiety.

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can reduce tension and improve oxygenation, which can lead to decreased discomfort.

Teaching a child to take slow, deep breaths can help them regain control over their body's responses to pain and stress.

Choice D rationale:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medication, and

Choice E rationale:

Opioids are potent medications that are not non-pharmacological interventions.

Therefore, they are not suitable options when looking for non-drug methods to manage pain in pediatric patients.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a pediatric patient who is experiencing pain.Which non-pharmacological interventions can the nurse implement to provide pain relief? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Select all that apply)A nurse is caring for a pediatric patient who requires pain management.The nurse is considering non-pharmacological interventions.Which of the following techniques or modalities can the nurse use for pain relief in pediatric patients?

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to administer opioids to a pediatric patient for pain relief.Which statement accurately describes the mechanism of action of opioids?

A client undergoing physical therapy is discussing pain management strategies with the nurse.Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of heat and cold therapy?

A nurse is teaching a group of parents about distraction techniques for their children undergoing medical procedures.Which statement by a parent demonstrates a correct understanding of distraction techniques?

A nurse is providing education to the parents of a child who will be receiving acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.Which statement by the nurse accurately describes the mechanism of action of acetaminophen?

A nurse is preparing to administer Morphine to a pediatric patient for severe pain management. The child’s parent asks about potential side effects of Morphine. Which of the following should be included in the nurse’s response?

A nurse is reviewing the contraindications for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with a client.Which statement accurately describes a contraindication for NSAIDs?

A nurse is assessing a child's pain level.Which of the following factors would NOT be considered?

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)?

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?