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) Stop taking the medication immediately: Abruptly stopping amitriptyline without the guidance of a healthcare provider can cause withdrawal symptoms and other complications. Discontinuing this medication should only be done under medical supervision.
B) Increase fluid intake: Amitriptyline can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Increasing fluid intake helps manage dry mouth by stimulating salivation and helps alleviate constipation by promoting bowel regularity.
C) Request another antidepressant: While amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and constipation, switching medications should not be the first step. These side effects are often manageable with lifestyle modifications, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, and adjustments to the treatment plan can be considered if the symptoms are severe or persistent.
D) Notify the provider: While it is important for the nurse to document and inform the provider about any significant side effects, this instruction alone does not provide immediate relief to the patient. It is more appropriate to first recommend increasing fluid intake, and then the nurse can discuss with the provider if the symptoms persist or worsen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Reducing some of the tremors: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic medication commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to help manage symptoms. It works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, which can help to restore the balance between acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. This helps reduce symptoms like tremors and rigidity, which are common in Parkinson’s disease. Although it may not completely eliminate these symptoms, it can significantly reduce tremors, making this the most accurate effect of the drug.
B) Improving mental function: Benztropine is not intended to improve mental function. In fact, anticholinergic medications like benztropine can sometimes cause cognitive side effects, including memory problems or confusion, particularly in older patients. While the drug is effective in reducing motor symptoms, it is not used to enhance cognitive abilities in Parkinson’s disease.
C) Helping the patient to walk faster: Benztropine does not directly improve gait speed or help a patient walk faster. The drug primarily targets motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity rather than improving bradykinesia (slowness of movement), which is often the cause of walking difficulty in Parkinson’s patients. Medications such as levodopa or dopamine agonists are typically used to address issues related to bradykinesia and movement speed.
D) Minimizing symptoms of bradykinesia: While benztropine can help manage tremors and rigidity, it is not particularly effective for bradykinesia, which is the hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Bradykinesia is best addressed with dopaminergic medications like levodopa or dopamine agonists. Therefore, benztropine would not be the first choice for minimizing bradykinesia symptoms.
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