👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team🕐 Updated 2026-08-23🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies🔖 Free to read, print, and share
Also known as: ASA · acetylsalicylic acid · baby aspirin · Ecotrin · Bayer
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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Aspirin (antiplatelet) on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!
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📒 The 1-minute cheat sheet
📌 Uses
MI/stroke prevention, ACS, antipyretic
Chew 162-325 mg in suspected MI
🩺 Signs
GI upset, bleeding, bruising
Tinnitus = early toxicity sign
📌 Avoid
NO kids w/ viral → Reye's syndrome
Peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders
🚩 Report
Black/tarry stools, hematemesis
Ringing ears, hyperventilation
🎓 Teach
Take with food, stop 7d pre-op
📚 Aspirin (antiplatelet) — full study notes
The cheat sheet above is your quick recall card. These notes go deeper — what it is, what to do first, what must be reported, and what to teach.
Low-dose aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that irreversibly inhibits cyclooxygenase, blocking thromboxane and preventing platelet aggregation. It is used to prevent and treat myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke and is given (often chewed) during suspected acute coronary syndrome. Bleeding and GI irritation are the main concerns.
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Key points
Understand these first
Irreversibly inhibits platelet COX, so antiplatelet effect lasts the lifespan of the platelet (7-10 days).
Chewable non-enteric aspirin is given early in suspected myocardial infarction for faster effect.
Causes GI irritation, bleeding, and dyspepsia; enteric-coated forms reduce stomach upset.
Tinnitus and hearing changes are early signs of aspirin (salicylate) toxicity.
Avoided in children and teens with viral illness due to risk of Reye syndrome.
Increases bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants, other antiplatelets, and NSAIDs.
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Nursing priorities
What to do, in order
Assess for bleeding: bruising, GI bleeding, dark stools, and prolonged bleeding.
For suspected MI, have the patient chew a non-enteric aspirin promptly.
Take with food or a full glass of water to reduce gastric irritation.
Ask about tinnitus, which can indicate toxicity, and hold for active bleeding.
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Red flags — report now
Escalate immediately
Report ringing in the ears, dizziness, or confusion, which can signal salicylate toxicity.
Report black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or other signs of GI bleeding.
Never give to children or teens with fever or viral illness because of Reye syndrome risk.
Hold and report signs of an allergic reaction or active bleeding.
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Patient teaching
What patients must know
Take aspirin with food or a full glass of water to protect your stomach.
Report ringing in the ears, black stools, or unusual bleeding or bruising.
Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a fever or flu-like illness.
Tell providers and dentists you take aspirin before any procedure or surgery.
Avoid combining with other NSAIDs or blood thinners unless approved by your provider.
❓ Aspirin (antiplatelet): NCLEX FAQs
What are the priority nursing interventions for Aspirin (antiplatelet)?
Assess for bleeding: bruising, GI bleeding, dark stools, and prolonged bleeding. For suspected MI, have the patient chew a non-enteric aspirin promptly. Take with food or a full glass of water to reduce gastric irritation. Ask about tinnitus, which can indicate toxicity, and hold for active bleeding.
What are the warning signs of Aspirin (antiplatelet) a nurse must report?
Report ringing in the ears, dizziness, or confusion, which can signal salicylate toxicity. Report black tarry stools, vomiting blood, or other signs of GI bleeding. Never give to children or teens with fever or viral illness because of Reye syndrome risk. Hold and report signs of an allergic reaction or active bleeding.
What do I need to know about Aspirin (antiplatelet) for the NCLEX?
Irreversibly inhibits platelet COX, so antiplatelet effect lasts the lifespan of the platelet (7-10 days). Chewable non-enteric aspirin is given early in suspected myocardial infarction for faster effect. Causes GI irritation, bleeding, and dyspepsia; enteric-coated forms reduce stomach upset. Tinnitus and hearing changes are early signs of aspirin (salicylate) toxicity.
What patient teaching is important for Aspirin (antiplatelet)?
Take aspirin with food or a full glass of water to protect your stomach. Report ringing in the ears, black stools, or unusual bleeding or bruising. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers with a fever or flu-like illness. Tell providers and dentists you take aspirin before any procedure or surgery.
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Quick Tip
Irreversibly inhibits platelet COX, so antiplatelet effect lasts the lifespan of the platelet (7-10 days).