AEMCA Practice Exam

How does Ketorolac alleviate pain?

1. By enhancing serotonin levels in the brain

2. By inhibiting COX and reducing prostaglandin synthesis

3. By blocking nerve transmission

4. By increasing blood flow to the affected area

The correct answer is: By inhibiting COX and reducing prostaglandin synthesis

Ketorolac alleviates pain primarily through its role as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It specifically inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are compounds that contribute to inflammation and pain signaling in the body. By decreasing the production of these inflammatory mediators, Ketorolac effectively reduces both inflammation and the sensation of pain. This mechanism is crucial in clinical settings where pain management is necessary, such as post-operative care or for acute pain conditions. By focusing on the chemical processes that lead to pain perception, Ketorolac offers targeted relief without the need for opioid analgesics, which can carry a risk of addiction and other side effects. Other mechanisms of pain relief, such as blocking nerve transmission or enhancing serotonin levels, are not the primary actions of Ketorolac, which is why they do not apply in this context. Increasing blood flow, while possibly providing some degree of relief through better tissue perfusion, is not a direct method by which Ketorolac acts to alleviate pain.