Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A client is taking aspirin (ASA) and asks the nurse how long the anticoagulant effect of a single dose of aspirin can last. The nurse replies:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: The anticoagulant effect of a single dose of aspirin can last for as long as a week. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet function for the lifespan of the platelets (about 7-10 days). This means that the anticoagulant effect of aspirin can persist for up to a week after a single dose. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they overestimate or underestimate the duration of the anticoagulant effect of aspirin based on its mechanism of action.