Final answer:
The administration of aspirin to a cardiac patient would be prohibited if the patient has a history of asthma, due to the risk of severe respiratory reactions and bronchospasms. Dizziness, not currently taking aspirin, or high diastolic blood pressure are not direct contraindications for aspirin therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of cardiac patients, the use of aspirin is widely recognized for its role in preventing heart attacks by acting as an anticoagulant and inhibiting the aggregation of platelets. While commonly recommended for those at risk of cardiovascular disease, there are specific situations in which aspirin administration would be contraindicated. The option from the provided list that would most likely prohibit the use of aspirin is B. The patient has a history of asthma.
Patients with a history of asthma, particularly those with a condition known as aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), may experience adverse reactions to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These reactions can include severe respiratory symptoms and potentially dangerous bronchospasms. The other listed situations, such as feeling dizzy, not currently taking aspirin, or having a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg, do not typically constitute a direct contraindication to aspirin therapy.
It is important for a patient to consult a physician before beginning any aspirin regimen due to the potential for serious side effects including increased risk of ulcers and bleeding.