Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

As you are treating a patient, he tells you that he has a bleeding ulcer and took Cialis 12 hours ago. Which of the following medications are contraindicated for this patient?

1. Ibuprofen and aspirin

2. Aspirin and nitroglycerin

3. Acetaminophen and nitroglycerin

4. Antacids and aspirin

The correct answer is: Aspirin and nitroglycerin

The correct answer highlights the significance of understanding the interactions between different medications and the patient's underlying conditions. In this case, the use of aspirin and nitroglycerin is contraindicated due to the patient's history of a bleeding ulcer and recent use of Cialis. Aspirin acts as a blood thinner, which can exacerbate bleeding, particularly in a patient with an existing bleeding ulcer. Combining aspirin with the potential vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin could lead to enhanced hypotension, further complicating the patient's situation. Additionally, when a patient has taken Cialis, which can also lower blood pressure, the risk of severe hypotension increases when combined with nitroglycerin. This combination may lead to life-threatening complications, including syncope or shock. Other options do not present the same level of interaction or risk in relation to the bleeding ulcer and recent Cialis use. While using NSAIDs like ibuprofen can also pose risks in ulcers, they don’t directly relate to the use of nitroglycerin. Acetaminophen does not have the same blood-thinning properties, and antacids generally do not interact negatively with these medications. Understanding patient history and medication interactions is vital to ensure safe and effective treatment.