What are narcotic analgesics primarily used for?

Narcotic analgesics are primarily used to relieve pain, making the choice of relief from pain the correct answer. These medications act on the central nervous system to block the perception of pain and enhance an individual's pain threshold. They can be particularly effective for managing acute pain, such as that resulting from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions like cancer.

While the other options address important aspects of patient care, they do not align with the primary function of narcotic analgesics. For instance, treating inflammation is typically managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rather than narcotics. Lowering blood pressure is generally the role of antihypertensive medications, and preventing allergic reactions is the function of antihistamines or corticosteroids. Therefore, understanding the primary use of narcotic analgesics as pain relief is essential for effective nursing practice and patient management.