Which scenario would indicate aspirin administration is contraindicated for suspected ACS?

Which scenario would indicate aspirin administration is contraindicated for suspected ACS?

• A. The patient is alert
• B. The patient is not allergic
• C. The chest pain is consistent with ACS
• D. The patient has recent GI bleeding

Answer: (D)

In suspected ACS, aspirin is used to inhibit platelets and help prevent further clotting, but it should not be given if there’s a significant bleeding risk. Being alert or not allergic are not contraindications; none of those stop you from giving aspirin. Chest pain that fits ACS is exactly when aspirin is beneficial, provided there’s no bleeding risk. A recent GI bleed, however, means there’s a real danger of triggering or worsening a GI hemorrhage with aspirin’s antiplatelet effects, so it is contraindicated. Therefore, the scenario with recent GI bleeding is the one where aspirin administration would be avoided.

In suspected ACS, aspirin is used to inhibit platelets and help prevent further clotting, but it should not be given if there’s a significant bleeding risk. Being alert or not allergic are not contraindications; none of those stop you from giving aspirin. Chest pain that fits ACS is exactly when aspirin is beneficial, provided there’s no bleeding risk. A recent GI bleed, however, means there’s a real danger of triggering or worsening a GI hemorrhage with aspirin’s antiplatelet effects, so it is contraindicated. Therefore, the scenario with recent GI bleeding is the one where aspirin administration would be avoided.