Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology Q 143

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Which of the following NSAIDs is used to prevent thrombosis?

  

     A. ibuprofen (Motrin)

     B. ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol)

     C. aspirin (Zorprin)

     D. naproxen (Naprosyn)

    

    

Correct Answer: C. aspirin (Zorprin)

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Aspirin prevents platelet aggregation and thereby has an anticoagulant effect. Aspirin is a cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) inhibitor. It is a modifier of the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Unlike other NSAIDs (ibuprofen/naproxen), which bind reversibly to this enzyme, aspirin binding is irreversible. It also blocks thromboxane A2 on platelets in an irreversible fashion preventing platelet aggregation.

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Option A: Ibuprofen is also FDA-approved for use in mild to moderate pain. It is also available as an over-the-counter medication for pain, usually mild. Some common over-the-counter uses for ibuprofen are muscle sprains or strains, joint aches, pain from migraine, sore throat, and pain from cold or cases of flu.

Option B: Ketorolac is an FDA-approved medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe acute onset pain. It is in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) drug class. Ketorolac is versatile, as it is available in multiple-dose forms: oral, nasal spray, IV, or IM. It is commonly used postoperatively for pain management.

Option D: Naproxen has been FDA-approved for the treatment of acute gout, ankylosing spondylitis, bursitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, and primary dysmenorrhea. It is considered the first-line treatment for acute gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain, inflammation, and dysmenorrhea.

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