Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of administering aspirin to a patient with chest pain?

1. To relieve pain

2. To prevent blood clotting

3. To lower blood pressure

4. To promote oxygenation

The correct answer is: To prevent blood clotting

Administering aspirin to a patient experiencing chest pain is primarily intended to prevent blood clotting. When a patient presents with chest pain, especially in situations suggesting a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack), one of the critical concerns is the formation of blood clots. Aspirin works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, which is an essential step in the clotting process. By preventing the platelets from clumping together, aspirin reduces the risk of the clot further obstructing blood flow in the coronary arteries. This benefit of aspirin is crucial in the acute management of chest pain because it can limit the extent of damage to the heart muscle by ensuring that blood can continue to flow, even if there's a partial blockage. While aspirin can also offer some mild pain relief and has a minimal effect on lowering blood pressure or promoting oxygenation, its primary clinical significance in this context lies in its antiplatelet action and its role in preventing the worsening of a potentially critical cardiac condition.