Nurse Teaching on Functions of Prostaglandins and Thromboxanes

Patient/caregiver was instructed upon functions of prostaglandins and thromboxanes as follows:

  1. Prostaglandins produced in the body, play an important role, acting as mediators in promoting pain, inflammation, and fever.
  2. Prostaglandins also help increase the secretion of mucus, which forms a protective layer on the inner lining of stomach and intestines. Prostaglandins also help with reducing the secretion of hydrochloric acid and increase the secretion of bicarbonate that buffers and neutralizes the acid. All these actions of prostaglandins help to protect the stomach and intestinal mucosa from acid injury and prevent development of peptic ulcers.
  3. Prostaglandins also help dilation of blood vessels in the kidneys. This action of prostaglandins can help individuals with history of reduced renal blood flow and consequent compromised renal function. Prostaglandins, by dilating the blood vessels in the kidneys, helps with improving blood flow to the kidneys. Improved renal blood flow promotes glomerular filtration and consequently, result in improved overall renal function.
  4. Prostaglandins, in women, can promote uterine contractions and so, are used with pregnant women during labor.
  5. Thromboxanes are compounds that can activate platelets and result in clotting of blood, thus helping to prevent excessive blood loss during episodes of bleeding.