Question 1: Define what a painkiller is and explain its primary purpose in the human body.

Answer: A painkiller is a substance or medication that reduces or alleviates pain by acting on the nervous system, primarily to relieve discomfort caused by injury or illness.

Question 2: Describe the mechanism by which non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen reduce pain.

Answer: NSAIDs reduce pain by inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that promote inflammation and pain.

Question 3: Which part of the nervous system do painkillers primarily target to alleviate pain?

Answer: Painkillers primarily target the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord, to block or reduce pain signals.

Question 4: Fill in the blank: Opioid painkillers, such as morphine, work by binding to specific receptors in the __________ to block pain signals.

Answer: brain

Question 5: List two common side effects associated with the use of opioid painkillers.

Answer: Common side effects include drowsiness and nausea.

Question 6: Explain why it is important to use painkillers responsibly and under medical supervision.

Answer: Using painkillers responsibly and under medical supervision is important to prevent dependence, avoid overdose, reduce side effects, and ensure the medication is appropriate for the specific type of pain or condition.

Question 7: Calculate the amount of a 250 mg dose of ibuprofen needed to be taken if a patient requires a total of 1 gram (1000 mg) of the medication. Show your working.

Answer: Working: 1000 mg ÷ 250 mg per dose = 4 doses. Therefore, 4 doses are needed for a total of 1 gram.

Question 8: Identify the variables in the following scenario: A researcher tests the effectiveness of a new painkiller. The variables are the dosage of the drug (independent variable) and the level of pain relief (dependent variable).

Answer: Independent variable: dosage of the drug; Dependent variable: level of pain relief.

Question 9: What safety precautions should be considered when testing new painkillers in a laboratory setting?

Answer: Safety precautions include wearing protective equipment, conducting tests under controlled conditions, starting with low doses, monitoring for adverse reactions, and following ethical guidelines for testing new drugs.

Question 10: Describe one way in which the development of new painkillers benefits society.

Answer: Developing new painkillers can provide more effective pain relief with fewer side effects, improving quality of life for patients.

Question 11: Which of the following is a common type of painkiller used for moderate to severe pain? a) Paracetamol b) Ibuprofen c) Morphine d) Aspirin

Answer: