Should you administer aspirin to a patient with chest discomfort even if the pain has resolved?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if pain recurs
• D. Never administer aspirin

Answer: (A)

A key approach in suspected acute coronary syndrome is to give aspirin early because stopping the pain does not mean the underlying artery blockage is resolved. Aspirin prevents platelets from clumping, slowing thrombus growth and reducing mortality and reinfarction risk, so there’s a real benefit to administering it as soon as ACS is suspected, even if the patient’s chest discomfort has subsided.

Use a single chewable dose (typically 162–324 mg) and ensure there are no contraindications, such as allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs or active and significant bleeding. If the patient has already taken aspirin within the last 24 hours, follow your protocol on whether another dose is appropriate.