CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a function of analgesics?

1. To sedate the patient

2. To relieve pain

3. To treat infections

4. To reduce inflammation

The correct answer is: To relieve pain

Analgesics are specifically designed to relieve pain by acting on the peripheral and central nervous systems. They can work in various ways, such as blocking pain signals from reaching the brain or altering the perception of pain itself. By relieving pain, analgesics can improve a patient's comfort level and quality of life, especially in medical settings where pain management is critical, such as after surgery or during chronic illnesses. While sedation, treatment of infections, and reduction of inflammation are important medical functions, they do not pertain to the primary role of analgesics. Sedatives generally reduce consciousness or induce sleep rather than specifically alleviate pain. Treatments for infections focus on combating pathogens with antibiotics or antivirals, while anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling and pain associated with inflammation but do not classify as analgesics. Therefore, the main function of analgesics is clearly to relieve pain.