The nurse understands that the priority benefit of enteric-coated aspirin preparations is to prevent

Question

a. Reye's syndrome.
b. salicylism.
c. gastritis.
d. acid-base imbalance.

Answer 1

ANS: C
The enteric coating prevents the aspirin from dissolving in the stomach and allows it to dissolve in the duodenum, thus reducing gastric irritation.
Reye's syndrome remains a risk despite the tablet preparation. The properties of aspirin, regardless of its preparation, can lead to Reye's syndrome.
Salicylism remains a risk despite tablet preparation, because salicylism is the result of aspirin overdose, which still can occur with absorption in the duodenum.
Acid-base imbalance is unlikely to occur unless aspirin is taken in large amounts; the type of tablet preparation would have no effect on this.