Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is the main action of analgesics?

1. Alter perception of pain

2. Increase pain sensitivity

3. Stimulate inflammation

4. Promote healing of tissues

The correct answer is: Alter perception of pain

Analgesics are specifically designed to alter the perception of pain in individuals experiencing discomfort or injury. They work by acting on the nervous system to inhibit pain signals or change how the brain interprets those signals. This mechanism can lead to a reduction in the sensation of pain, providing relief to patients. In the context of the other choices, analgesics do not increase pain sensitivity; rather, they aim to decrease it. They also do not stimulate inflammation, as inflammation is typically a response from the body to injury or infection and can actually be a source of pain. Similarly, while certain medications may promote healing indirectly, the primary action of analgesics is not to heal tissues but rather to manage the experience of pain itself. Thus, the focus of analgesics is clearly on modifying pain perception, making the first choice the correct answer.