Final answer:
Endorphins help reduce anxiety and relieve pain by acting as natural painkillers in the body. They are triggered by activities such as intense exercise and can be responsible for the 'runner's high', though studies suggest endocannabinoids also play a role. The correct option for how endorphins aid the body is d. reducing anxiety and relieving pain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the body and play a crucial role in the body's pain inhibition response. They can be released through vigorous aerobic exercises such as running, possibly contributing to the so-called "runner's high" which can positively impact anxiety and depression levels. However, it can also lead to exercise addiction if the body adjusts and produces less endorphins during rest.
While some believe endorphins are responsible for the runner's high, studies suggest that endocannabinoids might also play a significant role. On the other hand, chronic pain sometimes persists even after an injury has healed, and this can be due to the immune system's chemical messengers prolonging pain signals.
Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by reducing the effects of pain-sensitizing prostaglandins. Additionally, opioids, compounds related to natural toxins, can effectively manage pain by lowering blood pressure and blocking pain signals.
When it comes to particular treatments, local anesthetics like lidocaine prevent pain by interfering with signal reception and transduction. General anesthetics, such as halothane and ketamine, block pain and induce unconsciousness during surgery. For managing chronic or acute pain, psychoactive drugs, specifically opioids like morphine and codeine, are commonly prescribed.
The light most clearly shone on endorphins explains that they aid in reducing anxiety and relieving pain, corresponding to option d in the inquiry presented by the patient to the nurse.