Question

A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed piroxicam (Feldene), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Which effect is characteristic of (NSAIDs) used for treating rheumatoid arthritis?

A) Production of replacement cartilage is stimulated.
B) Further destruction of the articular cartilage is prevented.
C) Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.
D) Bradykinin is inhibited, thereby reducing acute and chronic pain.

Answer 1

NSAIDs like piroxicam work by inhibiting COX enzymes, which consequently reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, leading to a reduction in inflammation characteristic of their use in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The characteristic effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when used for treating rheumatoid arthritis is that they reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. NSAIDs, such as piroxicam (Feldene), aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, act on the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, blocking the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are compounds that contribute to inflammation and pain. Therefore, the answer to the question is C) Inflammation is reduced by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.