Aspirin is administered to the client experiencing an MI because of its:
Antipyretic action
Antiplatelet action
Analgesic action
Antithrombotic action
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Antipyretic action refers to the ability to reduce fever. While aspirin does have antipyretic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Fever is not a characteristic symptom of MI, and reducing fever would not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery.
Choice B rationale:
Antiplatelet action is the ability to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. This is the crucial mechanism by which aspirin helps in the setting of an MI.
During an MI, a blood clot forms in a coronary artery, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This blockage can cause severe damage to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is essential for platelet aggregation. By blocking COX, aspirin prevents platelets from sticking together and forming new clots. This can help to:
Limit the size of the existing clot in the coronary artery.
Prevent the formation of additional clots that could further block blood flow.
Allow for better blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing damage and improving outcomes.
Choice C rationale:
Analgesic action refers to the ability to relieve pain. While aspirin does have analgesic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Pain relief is an important aspect of managing MI symptoms, but it does not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the blood clot.
Choice D rationale:
Antithrombotic action is a broader term that encompasses any action that prevents or reduces blood clot formation. Aspirin's antiplatelet action is a specific type of antithrombotic action. However, it's important to note that aspirin does not directly dissolve existing clots; it primarily prevents new clots from forming.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that is essential for preventing blood clots from forming within coronary artery stents. It works by inhibiting the binding of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to its receptors on platelets, thereby reducing platelet aggregation. This is crucial following stent placement because the stent itself can act as a trigger for platelet activation and clotting. By suppressing platelet function, clopidogrel helps to maintain blood flow through the stented artery and reduces the risk of stent thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening complication.
Here's a detailed explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
Choice B: Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is primarily used to treat pain and inflammation.
It does not have significant antiplatelet effects and is not typically used for the prevention of stent thrombosis.
While it might be prescribed for pain management after stent placement, it would not be the primary medication expected on the daily medication administration record for this purpose.
Choice C: Dipyridamole
Dipyridamole is an antiplatelet medication, but it is not as potent as clopidogrel and is not considered the first-line agent for preventing stent thrombosis.
It might be used in combination with clopidogrel in certain cases, but it would not be the sole antiplatelet medication expected on the daily medication administration record.
Choice D: Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
It does not have any antiplatelet effects and would not be used to prevent stent thrombosis.
It might be prescribed for pain or fever after stent placement, but it would not be the primary medication expected on the daily medication administration record for this purpose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While educating the patient about the pathophysiology of acute coronary artery disease (ACAD) is important, it is not the priority intervention during an acute episode.
The patient is likely experiencing significant discomfort and anxiety, and their ability to process information may be impaired.
Providing immediate relief of symptoms and stabilizing the patient's condition take precedence over education at this time.
Choice B rationale:
Supplemental oxygen may be beneficial for patients with ACAD, but it is not the highest priority intervention.
Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen saturation levels in the blood, but it does not directly address the underlying issue of coronary artery occlusion.
It is important to administer nitroglycerin first to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
Choice C rationale:
Sublingual nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
It is a first-line medication for the treatment of acute angina (chest pain) and is often used in the setting of ACAD.
Nitroglycerin can rapidly relieve chest pain and other symptoms of ischemia, such as shortness of breath, and can help prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
Choice D rationale:
Staying with the patient to decrease anxiety is important, but it is not the priority intervention.
While providing emotional support can help to calm the patient and reduce stress, it does not directly address the underlying issue of myocardial ischemia.
It is crucial to administer nitroglycerin to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle.
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