In suspected myocardial infarction, which statement about aspirin administration is correct?

In suspected myocardial infarction, which statement about aspirin administration is correct?

• A. Do not administer aspirin to any patient with chest pain.
• B. Administer aspirin only if patient has no allergies.
• C. Administer chewable aspirin if not contraindicated and transport promptly.
• D. Administer aspirin intravenously.

Answer: (C)

In suspected myocardial infarction, the goal is to reduce heart muscle damage by limiting further clot formation. Aspirin helps achieve this by irreversibly inhibiting platelets, which slows down thrombus growth in a coronary artery. Because this effect starts quickly when the drug is chewed and absorbed in the mouth, the best action is to give chewable aspirin promptly if there are no contraindications and then transport to a hospital. Chewable aspirin is preferred because chewing speeds absorption and onset of action, leading to faster platelet inhibition. The usual dose for this situation is about 162 to 325 mg, taken as chewable tablets. It should be given unless there is a contraindication, such as an allergy to aspirin or an active bleeding problem. Aspirin is not given intravenously in typical prehospital care, and administration should not be delayed solely to check for allergies or other concerns if there are no contraindications and ACS is suspected.

In suspected myocardial infarction, the goal is to reduce heart muscle damage by limiting further clot formation. Aspirin helps achieve this by irreversibly inhibiting platelets, which slows down thrombus growth in a coronary artery. Because this effect starts quickly when the drug is chewed and absorbed in the mouth, the best action is to give chewable aspirin promptly if there are no contraindications and then transport to a hospital.

Chewable aspirin is preferred because chewing speeds absorption and onset of action, leading to faster platelet inhibition. The usual dose for this situation is about 162 to 325 mg, taken as chewable tablets. It should be given unless there is a contraindication, such as an allergy to aspirin or an active bleeding problem.

Aspirin is not given intravenously in typical prehospital care, and administration should not be delayed solely to check for allergies or other concerns if there are no contraindications and ACS is suspected.