A patient who comes to the emergency department is anxious, short of breath, diaphoretic, and has a history of heart disease
The patient states that the doctor instructed him to chew an aspirin on the way to the emergency department. The nurse understands that the rationale for this instruction is that aspirin
a. suppresses platelet aggregation, producing an immediate antithrombotic effect.
b. acts as an immediate analgesic.
c. augments the effects of morphine.
d. has vasodilatory properties that can improve perfusion of the heart.
ANS: A
Aspirin suppresses platelet aggregation and produces an immediate antithrombotic effect, which is necessary for a patient who may be experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI). Although the patient is not experiencing chest pain, other, associated symptoms, as well as the history, could lead to suspicion of MI.
Aspirin does have analgesic properties. However, the question asks about the action of aspirin regarding the anginal equivalent (shortness of breath) and cardiac history. Aspirin is not going to decrease the shortness of breath but rather will assist with the antithrombotic effect.
Aspirin does not potentiate the effects of morphine. In addition, the patient has not received any morphine.
Aspirin has no vasodilatory properties.
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