Final answer:
After undergoing PTCA, a client with chronic arterial occlusive disease is typically prescribed aspirin or clopidogrel for long-term antiplatelet therapy to prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Step-by-step explanation:
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a procedure used to mechanically dilate occluded arteries, such as the femoral artery in patients with chronic arterial occlusive disease. After such a procedure, it is common medical practice to prescribe long-term medication to reduce the risk of further arterial blockage and to prevent complications such as stent thrombosis. Aspirin is a commonly used antiplatelet drug that prevents blood clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Clopidogrel is another antiplatelet medication that inhibits the ADP receptor on platelet cell membranes, which is essential for platelet activation and aggregation.
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), which involves the use of aspirin and clopidogrel together, has shown to be effective in preventing cardiovascular events and is typically prescribed following angioplasty, especially with stent placement. While over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen are not antiplatelet drugs and thus not prescribed for this purpose, antibiotics like penicillin V or erythromycin would not be indicated unless there is a concern for infection.