Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is about to begin taking aspirin to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event. The nurse should identify that the drug inhibits platelet aggregation by which of the following mechanisms? A. Inhibiting fibrinogen synthesis

B. Blocking ADP receptors on platelets

C. Suppressing thromboxane A2 production

D. Enhancing nitric oxide release

Answer 1

Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation by suppressing the production of thromboxane A2, a substance that promotes platelet clumping and clot formation. The correct answer is:C. Suppressing thromboxane A2 production

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client who is about to begin taking aspirin as a prophylactic measure to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event should understand that aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation. The correct mechanism by which aspirin works is C. Suppressing thromboxane A2 production. Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is vital for the synthesis of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 is a substance that promotes aggregation of platelets, thus by suppressing its production, aspirin reduces the likelihood of clot formation which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which leads to the suppression of thromboxane A2 production. Thromboxane A2 is a substance that promotes platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. By reducing its production, aspirin helps prevent platelet aggregation and decreases the risk of blood clot formation, thus making it a common intervention for cardiovascular prophylaxis.