Prepare for the Pain Management Nursing Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions to enhance your understanding. Each question includes hints and explanations. Be thoroughly prepared for your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which statement indicates a misunderstanding about the action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

  1. NSAIDs work by depressing the central nervous system.

  2. NSAIDs act by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins.

  3. Patients allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to other NSAIDs.

  4. Use of NSAIDs in older adults may increase the risk of adverse events.

The correct answer is: NSAIDs work by depressing the central nervous system.

The statement that NSAIDs work by depressing the central nervous system indicates a misunderstanding about their action. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs primarily function by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking the enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved in prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. This mechanism does not involve depressing the central nervous system, which is characteristic of different classes of medications, such as opioids or sedatives. The other statements accurately reflect the characteristics and considerations related to NSAID use. For instance, the second statement about NSAIDs inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis correctly identifies their primary pharmacological action. The third statement highlights the cross-reactivity potential for patients allergic to aspirin, which is a known consideration in clinical practice. Finally, the fourth statement signifies the importance of careful monitoring in older adults due to the increased likelihood of adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or renal impairment, when using NSAIDs.