Which medication is used for mild to moderate pain relief?

Which medication is used for mild to moderate pain relief?

• A. NSAIDs
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Opioids
• D. Wound Care Management

Answer: (B)

Non-opioid analgesics like acetaminophen are commonly used for mild to moderate pain in older adults because they relieve pain with a lower risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects than NSAIDs, and without the sedating and constipating effects seen with opioids. Acetaminophen works by acting in the central nervous system to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, providing analgesia and fever reduction without anti-inflammatory action. It’s generally safer for the elderly when used at the recommended daily limit, but liver injury can occur with overdose or chronic use, and it’s important to avoid combining multiple products that contain acetaminophen. NSAIDs may be effective but carry higher risks for GI bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems in older adults, while opioids carry risks of sedation, delirium, constipation, and respiratory depression. Wound care management is not a medication.

Non-opioid analgesics like acetaminophen are commonly used for mild to moderate pain in older adults because they relieve pain with a lower risk of gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects than NSAIDs, and without the sedating and constipating effects seen with opioids. Acetaminophen works by acting in the central nervous system to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, providing analgesia and fever reduction without anti-inflammatory action. It’s generally safer for the elderly when used at the recommended daily limit, but liver injury can occur with overdose or chronic use, and it’s important to avoid combining multiple products that contain acetaminophen. NSAIDs may be effective but carry higher risks for GI bleeding, ulcers, and kidney problems in older adults, while opioids carry risks of sedation, delirium, constipation, and respiratory depression. Wound care management is not a medication.