The nurse is preparing to give a drug that will prevent receptor activation. Which term would describe this drug?

Choice A reason: Agonists activate receptors, mimicking endogenous ligands, not preventing activation. The drug blocks receptors, so this is incorrect for the described action. Choice B reason: Antagonists prevent receptor activation by blocking ligand binding, inhibiting effects. This matches the drug’s action, making it the correct term. Choice C reason: Potent describes a drug’s strength, not its mechanism of preventing receptor activation. Antagonist defines the action, so this is incorrect. Choice D reason: Selective refers to targeting specific receptors, not preventing activation. Antagonist describes the functional role, so this is incorrect.