What is a therapeutic outcome expected after administering ibuprofen?

Administering ibuprofen is widely recognized for its analgesic properties, making pain relief the expected therapeutic outcome. As a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), ibuprofen works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are lipid compounds that contribute to the sensation of pain and inflammation. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, ibuprofen effectively lowers pain perception, providing relief in various conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, and arthritis.

In contrast, the other outcomes do not align with the action of ibuprofen. Bronchodilation is primarily associated with medications that target the respiratory system, particularly bronchodilators used in conditions like asthma. Increased platelet aggregation refers to the clustering of platelets, which is typically affected by anticoagulants rather than NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which may actually inhibit platelet function. Direct renal effects are not the primary therapeutic purposes of ibuprofen; while it can affect kidney function, particularly in those with pre-existing conditions, this is not the intended benefit of the drug. Thus, pain relief effectively summarizes the primary therapeutic outcome expected after administering ibuprofen.