If a patient is suspected of internal bleeding and asks to take aspirin, what should you tell them?

If a patient is suspected of internal bleeding and asks to take aspirin, what should you tell them?

• A. Take aspirin now to relieve pain
• B. Take aspirin only with food
• C. Do not take aspirin because it reduces blood clot formation and can worsen bleeding
• D. Take aspirin and drink water

Answer: (C)

The important idea here is that in suspected internal bleeding, anything that impairs clotting should be avoided. Aspirin reduces the body's ability to form clots, which can worsen or prolong bleeding. It does this by irreversibly inhibiting platelet function, lowering thromboxane A2, so platelets can’t aggregate effectively for the duration of their life. Because of this, giving aspirin in this situation would counter the body's attempt to control the bleed. If pain relief is needed, offer a safer option like acetaminophen and avoid NSAIDs until a clinician confirms it’s safe. If the patient has already taken aspirin, inform the responding team and refrain from giving any more NSAIDs.

The important idea here is that in suspected internal bleeding, anything that impairs clotting should be avoided. Aspirin reduces the body's ability to form clots, which can worsen or prolong bleeding. It does this by irreversibly inhibiting platelet function, lowering thromboxane A2, so platelets can’t aggregate effectively for the duration of their life. Because of this, giving aspirin in this situation would counter the body's attempt to control the bleed. If pain relief is needed, offer a safer option like acetaminophen and avoid NSAIDs until a clinician confirms it’s safe. If the patient has already taken aspirin, inform the responding team and refrain from giving any more NSAIDs.