A nurse's friend says, "I may have to have some dental work done and I am concerned because I take aspirin every day." How should the nurse respond to this information?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. "When you go to the dentist, be sure to report your aspirin use."
2. "Since you take such a small dose of aspirin, there is no problem."
3. "The usual recommendation is to stop taking aspirin a week before any dental or surgical procedure."
4. "Aspirin therapy is not associated with bleeding from dental procedures."
5. "Any bleeding from your procedure can be reversed by taking vitamin E."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,3
Rationale 1: The dentist should be made aware that the client takes aspirin daily.
Rationale 2: Doses as small as 75 mg/day can increase the risk of bleeding.
Rationale 3: The usual recommendation is to discontinue use of aspirin a week prior to any dental or surgical procedure.
Rationale 4: Aspirin therapy can cause bleeding from dental procedures.
Rationale 5: Vitamin E does not reverse bleeding.
Global Rationale: The antiplatelet effects of aspirin can promote bleeding at sites other than the GI tract even in doses as small as 75 mg/day. Because it irreversibly inhibits COX-1 in platelets, the antiplatelet action of aspirin can be prolonged. It may take longer for minor cuts and injuries to stop bleeding. Patients undergoing surgical or dental procedures should discontinue aspirin use a week prior to the procedure. Vitamin E does not reverse bleeding.