What is the primary pharmacologic action of aspirin in ACS?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $24.99Unlock all

Prepare for the EMT Pharmacology Test with a mix of challenging questions designed to mirror the exam format. Review key concepts, utilize questions with hints, and gain confidence to succeed on your test.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary pharmacologic action of aspirin in ACS?

Explanation:
Aspirin’s primary action in ACS is to irreversibly inhibit COX-1 in platelets, which decreases thromboxane A2 production and thereby reduces platelet aggregation. Because platelets have no nucleus, they cannot synthesize new COX-1, so this antiplatelet effect lasts for the life of the platelet (about 7–10 days) and helps prevent further clot formation. While aspirin can affect COX enzymes at higher doses, its crucial effect here is the COX-1–mediated drop in thromboxane A2, not COX-2 inhibition, platelet production, or beta-adrenergic blockade.

Aspirin’s primary action in ACS is to irreversibly inhibit COX-1 in platelets, which decreases thromboxane A2 production and thereby reduces platelet aggregation. Because platelets have no nucleus, they cannot synthesize new COX-1, so this antiplatelet effect lasts for the life of the platelet (about 7–10 days) and helps prevent further clot formation. While aspirin can affect COX enzymes at higher doses, its crucial effect here is the COX-1–mediated drop in thromboxane A2, not COX-2 inhibition, platelet production, or beta-adrenergic blockade.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy