A client has been prescribed 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin every morning. Which of these statements by the client warrants further education?
A.
“I should chew this medication thoroughly.”
B.
“I can take this with food to avoid stomach irritation.”
C.
“I can give this low-dose aspirin to my five-year-old if he has a fever.”
D.
“I should expect ringing in my ears, as this is normal.”
E.
“If I have black, tarry stools, I should call my provider.”
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. “I can give this low-dose aspirin to my five-year-old if he has a fever.”
Explanation:
Aspirin, including low-dose (81 mg) enteric-coated formulations, should not be given to children, especially if they have viral illnesses such as influenza or chickenpox. Doing so can increase the risk of a serious condition called Reye’s syndrome, which affects the liver and brain. Reye’s syndrome can be life-threatening, and thus, it is crucial to educate patients not to administer aspirin to children unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.
Further Explanation for Other Statements:
- A. “I should chew this medication thoroughly.”
This statement warrants further education. Enteric-coated aspirin should not be chewed, as the coating is designed to prevent the medication from being released in the stomach, which helps reduce gastrointestinal irritation. Chewing it would defeat the purpose of the enteric coating. - B. “I can take this with food to avoid stomach irritation.”
This is correct. Aspirin, even in enteric-coated form, may still irritate the stomach. Taking it with food can help mitigate this side effect. - D. “I should expect ringing in my ears, as this is normal.”
This statement warrants education as well. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can be a sign of aspirin toxicity, particularly at higher doses. Although 81 mg is a low dose, if tinnitus occurs, it should be reported to the healthcare provider. - E. “If I have black, tarry stools, I should call my provider.”
This is correct. Black, tarry stools can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious side effect of aspirin therapy. Clients should seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.
By addressing these concerns, healthcare providers can ensure safe and effective use of aspirin.