Which statement about aspirin's effect is true?

Which statement about aspirin's effect is true?

• A. It reduces inflammation only
• B. It prevents platelets from forming clots
• C. It acts as a diuretic
• D. It lowers blood pressure

Answer: (B)

Aspirin works in this context mainly by preventing platelets from clumping together to form clots. It does this by irreversibly inhibiting an enzyme in platelets (COX-1), which lowers the production of thromboxane A2, a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation. That antiplatelet effect is what helps when chest pain suggests a possible heart attack, because it reduces the chance that a clot will grow and block blood flow. Aspirin is not a diuretic and does not directly lower blood pressure. It does have anti-inflammatory effects at higher doses, but in this EMS context the key action is preventing clot formation, not reducing inflammation.

Aspirin works in this context mainly by preventing platelets from clumping together to form clots. It does this by irreversibly inhibiting an enzyme in platelets (COX-1), which lowers the production of thromboxane A2, a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation. That antiplatelet effect is what helps when chest pain suggests a possible heart attack, because it reduces the chance that a clot will grow and block blood flow.

Aspirin is not a diuretic and does not directly lower blood pressure. It does have anti-inflammatory effects at higher doses, but in this EMS context the key action is preventing clot formation, not reducing inflammation.