Final answer:
NSAIDs reduce pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production, and an adverse effect associated with their use is an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds. Statement b) is incorrect because NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, are frequently used for treating pain in older adults despite the increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, reduce pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that cause inflammation and pain when tissues are injured. NSAIDs inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2, that are involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins. By blocking these enzymes, NSAIDs decrease the levels of prostaglandins in the body, leading to pain relief.
An adverse effect associated with the use of NSAIDs is an increased risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeds. NSAIDs can irritate the lining of the stomach, leading to the formation of ulcers. Prolonged use, high doses, or combining NSAIDs with other medications that increase the risk of bleeding can further increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Among the given statements, statement b) is incorrect. Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs are frequently used for treating pain in older adults, but they come with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in this population. Therefore, caution should be taken while prescribing NSAIDs to older adults and close monitoring is necessary to mitigate the risk.