Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

What are the contraindications of aspirin?

1. Allergy

2. Bleeding ulcers/internal bleeding

3. Headache

4. Indigestion

The correct answer is: Allergy

Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used for pain relief, inflammation reduction, and as an antiplatelet agent to prevent blood clots. However, certain conditions can make its use unsafe. One of the primary contraindications for aspirin is an allergy to the medication. If an individual has a known hypersensitivity to aspirin or other NSAIDs, administering aspirin can lead to serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Such allergies could manifest as symptoms ranging from skin rashes and hives to more severe respiratory distress. In addition, bleeding ulcers or internal bleeding also pose significant risks when taking aspirin. Although these conditions are serious, they are not the most direct contraindications in the same way an allergy is. Aspirin can exacerbate existing gastrointestinal issues and increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, while they represent scenarios where aspirin use must be approached cautiously, an allergy constitutes a more definitive contraindication that requires immediate avoidance of the medication. Understanding these contraindications is crucial for EMTs as it helps ensure patient safety and to avoid potential complications during treatment.