Question 1: Define the term 'analgesic' and explain its role in pain relief.

Answer: An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness; it works by blocking pain signals or reducing inflammation.

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

Answer: NSAIDs inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which reduces the production of prostaglandins that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Question 3: Explain why some painkillers are categorised as opioids and mention one potential risk associated with their use.

Answer: Opioids bind to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain signals; a potential risk is addiction or dependency.

Question 1: A patient is prescribed 500 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours. Calculate the total dose they receive in 24 hours.

Answer: 1500 mg

Question 2: If a doctor recommends a maximum daily dose of 4 g of paracetamol, how many 500 mg tablets can a patient safely take in one day?

Answer: 8 tablets

Question 1: Design a simple experiment to test the effectiveness of a new painkiller. Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and control variables.

Answer: The experiment involves administering the painkiller to one group (independent variable: presence or absence of the painkiller), measuring pain relief (dependent variable), while keeping factors like age, gender, and pain severity constant (control variables).

Question 1: A clinical trial reports that 80% of participants experienced significant pain relief after taking a new analgesic. If 50 people took the drug, how many reported relief? Explain what this data suggests about the drug’s effectiveness.

Answer: 40 people reported relief; this suggests the drug is effective for a majority of users, but further testing is needed to confirm safety and efficacy.

Question 1: Describe how NSAIDs such as aspirin relieve pain and discuss one potential side effect of long-term use.

Answer: NSAIDs block the COX enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production, which diminishes pain and inflammation. Long-term use can cause gastrointestinal ulcers or bleeding.

Question 2: Compare the mechanisms of action of opioids and NSAIDs in relieving pain.

Answer: Opioids bind to specific receptors in the nervous system to block pain signals, whereas NSAIDs inhibit the COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin synthesis, decreasing pain and inflammation.

Question 1: Discuss the ethical considerations involved in the development and prescription of opioid painkillers.

Answer: Ethical considerations include the risk of addiction, informed consent, balancing pain relief with potential side effects, and addressing the societal impact of opioid misuse.