Question

The parents of a child diagnosed with leukemia have stated that they'll give aspirin to their child for pain relief. Which statement by the nurse about aspirin would be most accurate?

a) "It's contraindicated because it promotes bleeding tendencies."
b) "Aspirin is recommended for pain management in leukemia."
c) "Aspirin can enhance the effectiveness of leukemia treatments."
d) "It's suitable for alleviating pain associated with leukemia."

Answer 1

The most accurate statement by the nurse would be that aspirin is contraindicated for a child with leukemia because it promotes bleeding tendencies. Acetaminophen is a recommended substitute, being safer in terms of bleeding risk.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate statement by the nurse about aspirin use for a child diagnosed with leukemia would be: "It's contraindicated because it promotes bleeding tendencies." This is because aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid, has antiplatelet effects and can increase the risk for bleeding, which can be particularly dangerous in individuals with leukemia who may already be at elevated risk due to their condition. As an anticoagulant, aspirin inhibits the aggregation of platelets, which is crucial in preventing clot formation.

Instead of aspirin, acetaminophen is often recommended as it does not have the anticoagulant effects of aspirin and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress or increase bleeding risks. In cases of pain management for leukemia or other similar conditions where bleeding risk is a concern, a healthcare provider should be consulted for the safest and most effective pain relief options.