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 C
Explanation
A) Decrease in heart rate and perfusion, and an increase in inflammatory response: These manifestations suggest parasympathetic nervous system activation, not the sympathetic response. The sympathetic system generally increases heart rate and perfusion to support "fight or flight" responses. Additionally, inflammatory responses are more immune-related and are not a direct effect of sympathetic activation.
B) Increase motility and secretion in the GI tract, constriction of bronchi and pupils: This is characteristic of parasympathetic nervous system activity. The parasympathetic system stimulates digestion (increased motility and secretion) and causes bronchoconstriction and pupil constriction (miosis). The sympathetic nervous system, in contrast, inhibits GI motility and causes bronchodilation and pupil dilation.
C) Increase in blood pressure, bronchodilation, and decrease bowel sounds: These are hallmark signs of sympathetic nervous system activation. When the sympathetic system is activated during stress or danger, it leads to vasoconstriction, which increases blood pressure. Bronchodilation occurs to allow more oxygen intake, and GI motility decreases (manifested as reduced bowel sounds) to redirect energy to more vital functions, like increased circulation to muscles.
D) Decrease in sweating, decrease in respiration, and pupil constriction: These signs suggest parasympathetic or a relaxed state. The sympathetic nervous system typically increases sweating, respiration, and causes pupil dilation to prepare the body for increased activity. Decreased sweating and respiration, along with pupil constriction, would not be consistent with the sympathetic response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Pupil dilation:
Pupil dilation is typically a response from stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system tends to cause pupil constriction, so pupil dilation would not be an expected response to a parasympathetic agonist.
B) Increased gastrointestinal motility:
Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, promotes the movement of food through the digestive tract, increasing gastrointestinal motility. This response is a classic sign that the parasympathetic system is being activated. Drugs that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system often aim to enhance digestive functions.
C) Vasoconstriction:
Vasoconstriction is typically mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic system. The sympathetic nervous system activates alpha-adrenergic receptors that cause blood vessels to constrict, raising blood pressure. The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, typically promotes vasodilation, lowering blood pressure.
D) Increased heart rate:
Increased heart rate is generally associated with the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for "fight or flight." The parasympathetic nervous system, in contrast, slows down the heart rate through vagal stimulation, so an increase in heart rate would not be the expected response to parasympathetic stimulation.
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