What type of medication is Ketorolac prescribed to Bridgett for pain management?

Ketorolac is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This type of medication works by reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. Ketorolac is particularly effective for short-term management of moderate to severe pain, often used in post-surgical settings or for acute pain conditions. Its mechanism involves the inhibition of enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2), which play a key role in the production of prostaglandins—substances in the body that promote inflammation, pain, and fever.

In contrast, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, opioids are narcotic medications that manage pain primarily through central nervous system action, and muscle relaxants are designed to reduce muscle spasms. Thus, Ketorolac's specific function and efficacy in treating pain through anti-inflammatory properties clearly identify it as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.