A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and reports moderate pain. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?

Correct answers: B Rationale: A. Ibuprofen is a non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug suitable for mild pain levels. It functions by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce peripheral prostaglandin synthesis. For moderate to severe cancer-related pain, non-opioid analgesics alone are typically insufficient to achieve adequate therapeutic control. B. Morphine is a potent opioid agonist that binds to mu-receptors in the central nervous system to alter pain perception. According to the World Health Organization analgesic ladder, moderate to severe cancer pain requires the administration of strong opioids. This ensures effective management of the progressive nociceptive signals. C. Aspirin acts as an irreversible inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, primarily providing anti-platelet and mild analgesic effects. Its efficacy is limited by a ceiling effect, making it inappropriate as a monotherapy for moderate cancer pain. It does not provide the required central nervous system modulation for intense malignancy-related distress. D. Acetaminophen is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic that lacks significant anti-inflammatory properties. While useful for minor discomfort, it does not possess the pharmacological potency necessary for moderate oncological pain. It is often used as an adjunct rather than the primary agent for escalating pain scores.