Which statement correctly describes aspirin use in suspected cardiac events?

• A. Chew and swallow 160-325 mg aspirin unless contraindicated
• B. Do not give aspirin if the patient took it previously
• C. Give aspirin only if the patient has not taken it in the last 24 hours
• D. Aspirin is never indicated in chest pain

Answer: (A)

In suspected cardiac events, aspirin is given because it inhibits platelets and helps prevent further clot formation in the coronary arteries, which can reduce damage and improve survival. The best practice is to administer a single chewable aspirin tablet totaling 160-325 mg, letting it be chewed for faster absorption, unless there is a contraindication such as allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs, active heavy bleeding, a known bleeding disorder, or a recent hemorrhagic stroke. Chewing speeds onset compared with swallowing whole, so this method gets the protective effect sooner. The other ideas—avoiding aspirin if the patient has already taken it, needing no dose within 24 hours, or aspirin never being indicated in chest pain—do not align with standard guidance, since a single appropriate dose is recommended for suspected ACS.