Aspirin Medication Teaching Assignment

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic Acid

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What is it used for? - reduce fever - treat pain (headaches, period pain, joint pain, muscle pain, & toothaches) - daily usage = reduce heart attack

How it works: - blocks a certain natural substance in the body to reduce inflammation - can also help thin blood to slow down blood clumping

Black box warning: - children under 12 = risk of brain swelling - not for chicken pox or flu-like symptoms -vomiting, confusions, or loss of consciousness = requires immediate attention (contact doctor)

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Considerations:

Should be avoided by: - Pregnant women - Patients with bleeding risks - Patients with liver or kidney disease - Patients with allergy to aspirin or other NSAIDs "anti-inflammation medications" (Aleve, Naproxen, Ibuprofen, etc)

- avoid drinking alcohol to decrease stomch irritation - do not crush, chew, or open Aspirin

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Monitoring: - kidney function should be monitored - blood pressure should be checked

- report any unusual bleeding - report any fever lasting more than 3 days

- stop 7 days before any surgeries

Appearance: - small -round - white (can be yellow)

- should be taken by mouth- swallow the pill whole

- Safe for adults & children older than 12

Head and Mouth

Aspirin should be taken with food while sitting up to avoid adverse effects

Potential/common side effects: - Nausea - Vomiting - Stomach pain & discomfort

Stomach

Adverse effects: - Open sores (ulcers) - Stomach bleeding

Older adults more likely to experience adverse effects - use smallest dose

Intestines

Adverse effects: - Intestinal bleeding - Ringing ears - Bleeding easily/ more than normal

Increased risk of adverse effects when taking other medications with Aspirin