Question

The nurse is doing discharge teaching with a patient who has coronary artery disease. The patient asks why he has to take an aspirin every day if he doesn't have any pain. What would be the nurse's best response?

a. "Taking an aspirin every day is an easy way to help restore the normal function of your heart."
b. "An aspirin a day can help prevent some of the blockages that can cause chest pain or heart attacks."
c. "Taking an aspirin every day is a simple way to make your blood penetrate your heart more freely."
d. "An aspirin a day eventually helps your blood carry more oxygen than it would otherwise."

Answer 1

The nurse's best response would be "An aspirin a day can help prevent some of the blockages that can cause chest pain or heart attacks."

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response would be b. "An aspirin a day can help prevent some of the blockages that can cause chest pain or heart attacks." While the patient may not have any pain currently, taking aspirin daily can help reduce the risk of developing blockages in the coronary arteries, which can lead to chest pain or heart attacks. Aspirin is known to be effective in inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, which can help prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries. It is often recommended as a preventive measure for individuals at increased risk for coronary artery disease.