Questions: Question 50 1 pts A patient is found to have acute coronary syndrome or an acute myocardial infarction by EKG and elevated troponin I, what would be a good treatment to prevent further platelet aggregation in this patient while awaiting a coronary catheterization? Performing platelet pheresis to immediately lower the platelet count Administering aspirin 325 mg by mouth Giving a small dose of enoxaparin or low molecular weight heparin to prevent a DVT Administering hydroxyurea to lower the platelet count

The answer is the second one: Administering aspirin 325 mg by mouth.

Explanation for each option:

1. Performing platelet pheresis to immediately lower the platelet count: This is not a standard treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or myocardial infarction (MI). Platelet pheresis is typically used in conditions with extremely high platelet counts, such as essential thrombocythemia, but not in ACS.

2. Administering aspirin 325 mg by mouth: This is the correct answer. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits platelet aggregation by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is crucial in the formation of thromboxane A2, a promoter of platelet aggregation. Administering aspirin is a standard initial treatment in ACS to prevent further clot formation.

3. Giving a small dose of enoxaparin or low molecular weight heparin to prevent a DVT: While enoxaparin (a low molecular weight heparin) is used in the management of ACS, its primary role is not to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in this context. It acts as an anticoagulant to prevent further clot formation, but aspirin is more directly related to preventing platelet aggregation.

4. Administering hydroxyurea to lower the platelet count: Hydroxyurea is used to reduce platelet counts in certain hematological conditions, but it is not used in the management of ACS or MI. It does not have a role in preventing platelet aggregation in this context.

In summary, administering aspirin 325 mg by mouth is the appropriate treatment to prevent further platelet aggregation in a patient with acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction.