NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Ace your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) with our comprehensive practice test. Features include interactive flashcards, multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Fast-track your pharmacy career today!

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What function do NSAIDs have?

  1. Increase inflammation

  2. Decrease inflammation

  3. Stimulate nerve endings

  4. Relax muscle spasms

The correct answer is: Decrease inflammation

NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) work by decreasing inflammation in the body. They achieve this by blocking the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, thus reducing the production of inflammatory prostaglandins. This action helps to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and lower fever associated with inflammation. So, the correct answer is B: Decrease inflammation. Options A, C, and D are incorrect: A. Increase inflammation: This is incorrect because NSAIDs are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and work to decrease inflammation. C. Stimulate nerve endings: This is also incorrect as NSAIDs do not stimulate but rather inhibit pain signaling pathways by reducing inflammation. D. Relax muscle spasms: While some NSAIDs may have muscle relaxant properties, their primary function is to reduce inflammation rather than directly relax muscle spasms.