Question

The doctor has prescribed aspirin \(325 \mathrm{mg}\) daily for a client with transient ischemic attacks. The nurse knows that aspirin was prescribed to: A. Prevent headaches B. Boost coagulation C. Prevent cerebral anoxia D. Keep platelets from clumping together

Short answer

Answer: The main reason for prescribing aspirin to a client with transient ischemic attacks is to keep platelets from clumping together, which reduces the risk of future transient ischemic attacks.

Step-by-step solution

Read and Understand the Question

Read the question carefully and understand what it is asking. The question is asking for the main reason why aspirin is prescribed to a client with transient ischemic attacks.

Analyze the Options

Analyze all the options given to find the main reason for prescribing aspirin: A. Prevent headaches B. Boost coagulation C. Prevent cerebral anoxia D. Keep platelets from clumping together

Choose the Correct Option

Based on our understanding of the effects of aspirin on the body, we can eliminate options A, B, and C, as they are either not related to transient ischemic attacks, or they are not the main effect of aspirin. The correct answer is option D, as aspirin mainly works as an antiplatelet agent, which helps in keeping platelets from clumping together and thus reducing the risk of future transient ischemic attacks.

Key concepts

Aspirin Therapy

One of the most common and long-established treatments for a range of cardiovascular conditions is aspirin therapy. Aspirin, at its core, functions as an anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet medication. In the context of preventing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), a low-dose aspirin regimen, usually 81-325 mg daily, is often prescribed by healthcare providers.

The reasoning behind this prescription is aspirin's ability to inhibit the clumping of platelets. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting; when they aggregate excessively, clots can form within the arteries, potentially leading to ischemic events. By preventing platelet aggregation, aspirin reduces the risk of clots that can cause a TIA or stroke.

For nursing professionals, it's key to understand that aspirin therapy for TIAs is a preventative measure and part of a larger strategy involving lifestyle changes and possibly other medications depending on individual patient factors.

Transient Ischemic Attacks

Transient ischemic attacks, known colloquially as mini-strokes, are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary decrease in the blood supply to a part of the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, such as weakness on one side of the body or speech difficulties, but they usually resolve within minutes to hours.

TIAs are significant warning signs of potential future strokes. Therefore, understanding the conditions that contribute to these attacks is critical for prevention. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan, healthcare professionals adapt pharmacologic approaches, like antiplatelet therapy, and encourage healthy lifestyle modifications to decrease the risk of subsequent TIAs or full-blown strokes.

Nursing Pharmacology

Nursing pharmacology is a vital area within nursing education that focuses on the use and effects of drugs. Nurses must have a profound understanding of how medications work, their potential side effects, and the rationale behind using specific drugs for certain conditions.

In the case of aspirin therapy for transient ischemic attacks, nurses should be adept at explaining to patients the importance of adhering to the prescribed dosage and the potential risks of overuse, such as increased bleeding risk. Additionally, nurses should monitor for adverse reactions and be prepared to provide education about the drug's action—that is, its antiplatelet properties—which is central to preventing further ischemic events. Crucially, nursing pharmacology emphasizes the need for a patient-centered approach, stressing patient education, adherence, and safety.

Antiplatelet Agents

Antiplatelet agents are a class of drugs that include aspirin, clopidogrel, and other medications that inhibit platelet aggregation. Their main role is to prevent the platelets in the blood from sticking together and forming clots, which is crucial in the management and prevention of cardiovascular events like TIAs, myocardial infarctions (heart attacks), and strokes.

For individuals who have experienced a TIA, antiplatelet agents become part of the pharmacological prophylaxis against future strokes. The mechanism of action of these drugs centers on the blockade of certain receptors and enzymes that mediate the platelet aggregation process. Patients on antiplatelet therapy may require regular monitoring to balance the prevention of clot formation with the risk of excessive bleeding, underscoring the importance of a patient's thorough understanding of their medication regimen.