Question

A patient asks the nurse, "How does ibuprofen relieve the pain in my back?" A correct response would be:

1) "Ibuprofen helps block the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that make nerve pain receptors more sensitive. Fewer prostaglandins mean you feel less pain."

2) "Ibuprofen helps stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that inhibit the action of nerve pain receptors. More prostaglandins mean you feel less pain."

3) "Ibuprofen is used to relieve neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves because it helps block the inflammation that injures nerves."

4) "Ibuprofen acts on the central nervous system, especially a part of the brain called the thalamus. By making the thalamus less active, it causes fewer pain impulses to be transmitted from the nerves in your back to the brain, meaning that you don't feel the pain."

Answer 1

Ibuprofen alleviates pain by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which in turn reduces inflammation and decreases the sensitization of nerve pain receptors, leading to less pain perception in areas like the back.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the patient asking about how ibuprofen relieves pain, specifically in the back, the correct answer is:

"buprofen functions by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that heighten the sensitivity of nerve pain receptors. Reduced prostaglandin levels result in a diminished perception of pain."

Prostaglandins play a key role in generating the pain and inflammation response in the body. When tissues are injured, they are involved in the process that leads to the sensation of pain. Ibuprofen, which is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), works by inhibiting the activity of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) that facilitate the production of prostaglandins. By preventing this step, ibuprofen effectively decreases inflammation and the sensitization of nerve pain receptors, thereby reducing the pain the patient feels in the affected area such as the back.