Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Question: 1 / 400

An antagonist in pharmacology serves to do what?

Enhance system response

Stimulate cellular activity

Inhibit system response

In pharmacology, an antagonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and blocks or inhibits the activity of that receptor, leading to a decrease in physiological response. This inhibition can prevent the natural ligand or agonist from exerting its effect, effectively reducing the system's response to stimuli. For instance, if a neurotransmitter is supposed to activate a receptor causing nerve signal transmission, an antagonist will prevent this activation, dulling or halting the effect.

In the context of the given choices, the role of an antagonist aligns with the option that refers to inhibiting system response, as it specifically reflects the fundamental function of antagonists in various pharmacological interactions. This understanding is critical for emergency care, where managing a patient's response to medication can be essential in various clinical scenarios.

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Promote hormonal release

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