Pain Management 2026 Non-Opioid Therapy Protocols

1. Which medication is first-line for mild to moderate nociceptive pain? A. Acetaminophen B. Morphine C. Fentanyl D. Methadone Correct Answer: A. Acetaminophen Rationale: Acetaminophen is commonly used as first-line non-opioid analgesic for mild to moderate pain. 2. Which drug class is commonly used for inflammatory pain? A. NSAIDs B. Opioids C. Benzodiazepines D. Antipsychotics Correct Answer: A. NSAIDs Rationale: NSAIDs reduce pain by inhibiting prostaglandin-mediated inflammation. 3. Which mechanism describes NSAIDs action? A. COX enzyme inhibition B. Dopamine blockade C. Serotonin reuptake inhibition D. GABA stimulation Correct Answer: A. COX enzyme inhibition Rationale: NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin production. 4. Which condition is a contraindication for NSAIDs? A. Peptic ulcer disease B. Hypertension only C. Mild headache D. Seasonal allergies Correct Answer: A. Peptic ulcer disease Rationale: NSAIDs increase risk of GI bleeding and ulceration. 5. Which adverse effect is most associated with NSAIDs? A. Gastrointestinal bleeding B. Hypoglycemia C. Hair growth D. Bradycardia Correct Answer: A. Gastrointestinal bleeding Rationale: COX-1 inhibition reduces gastric protective mucus. 6. Which non-opioid medication is safe in children for fever and pain? A. Acetaminophen B. Aspirin C. Ibuprofen only in all cases D. Naproxen only Correct Answer: A. Acetaminophen Rationale: Aspirin is avoided in children due to Reye’s syndrome risk. 7. Which syndrome is associated with aspirin use in children? A. Reye’s syndrome B. Guillain-Barré C. Stevens-Johnson syndrome only D. Addison disease Correct Answer: A. Reye’s syndrome Rationale: Aspirin can cause severe liver and brain damage in children. 8. Which non-pharmacologic method helps reduce acute pain? A. Cold therapy B. High caffeine intake C. Immobilization without assessment D. Increased noise exposure Correct Answer: A. Cold therapy Rationale: Cold reduces inflammation and nerve conduction. 9. Which therapy is most appropriate for chronic musculoskeletal pain? A. Physical therapy B. Bed rest only C. High opioid use D. Sedation Correct Answer: A. Physical therapy Rationale: Improves mobility and reduces long-term pain. 10. Which intervention is appropriate for neuropathic pain? A. Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin) B. Antibiotics C. Anticoagulants D. Antihistamines Correct Answer: A. Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin) Rationale: Neuropathic pain responds to nerve-modulating agents. 11. Which scale is commonly used to assess pain intensity? A. Numeric rating scale (0–10) B. Apgar score C. Glasgow scale only D. Braden scale Correct Answer: A. Numeric rating scale (0–10) Rationale: Standard tool for subjective pain measurement. 12. Which finding indicates effective pain management? A. Decreased pain score and improved function B. Increased sedation C. Increased anxiety D. Worsening mobility Correct Answer: A. Decreased pain score and improved function Rationale: Effective treatment improves comfort and activity. 13. Which NSAID adverse effect requires immediate attention? A. Black stools B. Mild nausea C. Dry mouth D. Headache Correct Answer: A. Black stools Rationale: Indicates possible gastrointestinal bleeding. 14. Which lab should be monitored with long-term NSAID use? A. Renal function (creatinine) B. Blood glucose only C. Troponin only D. Thyroid levels only Correct Answer: A. Renal function (creatinine) Rationale: NSAIDs can reduce kidney perfusion. 15. Which organ system is most affected by NSAID toxicity? A. Gastrointestinal system B. Skin only C. Eyes only D. Endocrine system only Correct Answer: A. Gastrointestinal system Rationale: NSAIDs increase risk of ulcers and bleeding. 16. Which non-opioid therapy is effective for muscle spasm pain? A. Heat therapy B. Ice only C. No movement D. High salt intake Correct Answer: A. Heat therapy Rationale: Heat relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. 17. Which intervention is appropriate for acute sprain? A. RICE protocol B. Complete immobilization for weeks without assessment C. Heat immediately in first hour D. Massage aggressively Correct Answer: A. RICE protocol Rationale: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation reduces swelling and pain. 18. Which drug is safest for chronic pain in patients with bleeding risk? A. Acetaminophen B. Ibuprofen C. Naproxen D. Ketorolac Correct Answer: A. Acetaminophen Rationale: Does not affect platelet function significantly.