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Pharmacology · single question

A patient takes 81 mg aspirin daily. Why are the gums bleeding more than expected during treatment?

  1. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect)
  2. Aspirin depletes vitamin K
  3. Aspirin inhibits the clotting cascade like warfarin
  4. Aspirin causes thrombocytopenia
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Aspirin irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation (antiplatelet effect)

  • A. Correct. Aspirin irreversibly acetylates COX-1, blocking thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation for the platelet's lifespan (~7–10 days), increasing bleeding.
  • B. Aspirin does not affect vitamin K — that is warfarin's mechanism.
  • C. Aspirin acts on platelets, not on the coagulation factor cascade.
  • D. Aspirin impairs platelet FUNCTION; it does not lower the platelet count.

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