Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of NSAIDs?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a potential adverse effect of NSAIDs?

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, lowering prostaglandin synthesis. This has two important consequences for bleeding risk: COX-1 inhibition in platelets reduces thromboxane A2, which diminishes platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time; and reduced protective prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa weaken mucosal defenses, increasing the chance of ulcers that can bleed. These mechanisms make bleeding risk a classic adverse effect of NSAIDs. Other options don’t fit as well because hypotension isn’t a typical NSAID effect (they can cause fluid retention and sometimes hypertension, not low blood pressure), and hyperglycemia or seizures are not commonly linked to NSAID toxicity.

NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase, lowering prostaglandin synthesis. This has two important consequences for bleeding risk: COX-1 inhibition in platelets reduces thromboxane A2, which diminishes platelet aggregation and prolongs bleeding time; and reduced protective prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa weaken mucosal defenses, increasing the chance of ulcers that can bleed. These mechanisms make bleeding risk a classic adverse effect of NSAIDs.

Other options don’t fit as well because hypotension isn’t a typical NSAID effect (they can cause fluid retention and sometimes hypertension, not low blood pressure), and hyperglycemia or seizures are not commonly linked to NSAID toxicity.

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