Author Question: A 55-year-old patient asks a nurse about taking aspirin to prevent heart disease. The patient does ... (Read 82 times)

Mollykgkg · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A 55-year-old patient asks a nurse about taking aspirin to prevent heart disease. The patient does not have a history of myocardial infarction. Her cholesterol and blood pressure are normal, and she does not smoke.

What will the nurse tell the patient?
a. Aspirin is useful only for preventing a second myocardial infarction.
b. She should ask her provider about using a P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist.
c. She should take one 81 mg tablet per day to prevent myocardial infarction.
d. There is most likely no protective benefit for patients her age.

Question 2

A patient will begin taking dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa) to prevent stroke. The nurse will include which statement when teaching this patient?

a. Dabigatran should be taken on an empty stomach to improve absorption.
b. It is important not to crush, chew, or open capsules of dabigatran.
c. The risk of bleeding with dabigatran is less than that with warfarin (Coumadin).
d. To remember to take dabigatran twice daily, a pill organizer can be useful.

EAN94 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
ASA is used for primary prevention of MI in men and in women older than 65 years. This patient has no previous history of MI, so the use of ASA is not indicated. ASA is useful for primary prevention, but only when indicated by cardiovascular risk, based on age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and smoking status. A P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist is used as secondary prevention. This patient should not begin taking ASA unless her risk factors change, or until she is 65 years old.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients should be taught to swallow capsules of dabigatran intact; absorption may be increased as much as 75, increasing the risk of bleeding, if the capsules are crushed, chewed, or opened. Dabigatran may be taken with or without food. The risk of bleeding is not less than that of warfarin. Dabigatran is unstable when exposed to moisture, so using a pill organizer is not recommended.