Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is a common risk associated with the use of aspirin?

1. Hypercoagulability

2. Increased risk of bleeding

3. Allergic reactions

4. Bone marrow suppression

The correct answer is: Increased risk of bleeding

Aspirin is widely used as an antiplatelet medication, meaning it inhibits platelet aggregation to reduce the risk of blood clots. However, one of the most significant risks associated with using aspirin is an increased risk of bleeding. Aspirin works by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is crucial for the synthesis of thromboxane A2. Thromboxane A2 promotes platelet aggregation; therefore, when aspirin inhibits its production, this leads to decreased platelet function and an increased likelihood of bleeding, particularly in patients who are already at risk or who may be taking other anticoagulants. Compared to other risks, such as hypercoagulability or allergic reactions, the association of aspirin with bleeding is well-documented and clinically significant. While allergic reactions to aspirin can occur in sensitive individuals, they are less common than the bleeding risks inherent in its pharmacodynamics. Bone marrow suppression is typically associated with different classes of medications and is not a direct risk from aspirin. Thus, the context of aspirin's mechanism of action and its effect on hemostasis reinforces why an increased risk of bleeding is the correct answer.