Which item is a nonpharmacologic pain intervention?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Massage
• C. Morphine
• D. Ibuprofen

Answer: (B)

Nonpharmacologic pain management relies on approaches that don’t involve medications to reduce pain. Massage fits this category because the hands-on manipulation of tissues eases muscle tension, improves local circulation, and stimulates sensory pathways that can dampen pain signals. This can promote relaxation and lower perceived pain, sometimes enhancing the effect of other treatments without adding drugs.

In contrast, antibiotics target infections rather than pain pathways, and pain relief from them is indirect. Morphine is a powerful opioid analgesic that changes how the brain perceives pain, while ibuprofen is a drug (an NSAID) that reduces pain by addressing inflammation.