When managing pain in a patient with an acute injury, which statement about baclofen is true?

The statement regarding baclofen accurately describes its mechanism of action. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic agent that works by activating GABA-B receptors in the central nervous system. This activation leads to inhibitory effects on neurotransmitter release, which helps reduce muscle spasms and can provide pain relief related to muscle tension and spasticity. By enhancing the effects of GABA, baclofen effectively diminishes the transmission of pain signals that may be associated with an acute injury.

Understanding the unique actions of different medications is crucial in pain management. While morphine is primarily an opioid that provides analgesia by acting on opioid receptors to block pain perception, it does not prevent sensation specifically at the site of injury in the same way baclofen works through GABA modulation.

With regard to amitriptyline, it is primarily used as an antidepressant and for neuropathic pain relief, and it does not enhance nociceptive transmission; rather, it can help mitigate pain. Fentanyl, another opioid, is effective for short-term pain relief but may not be the best choice for long-term management due to issues such as tolerance and dependence.

By focusing on baclofen's action in the context of pain management in acute injury, we gain