For suspected acute coronary syndrome, what is a common aspirin-related action in ICEMA standing orders?

• A. Administer aspirin to all chest pain patients.
• B. Wait for physician orders.
• C. Administer aspirin if not contraindicated.
• D. Never administer aspirin.

Answer: (C)

In suspected acute coronary syndrome, giving aspirin early is emphasized because its antiplatelet effect helps prevent further clot growth and reduces mortality when time to treatment is critical. Under ICEMA standing orders, a chewable aspirin dose is administered to adults with chest pain suggestive of ACS as soon as there are no contraindications, rather than waiting for physician orders. This approach speeds up therapy and improves outcomes.

Why this fits best: giving aspirin to all chest pain patients isn’t appropriate because many chest pains aren’t due to ACS and aspirin can cause harm in those cases. Waiting for physician orders delays potential benefit, and never giving aspirin ignores strong evidence of benefit in ACS when there are no contraindications. Contraindications include allergy to aspirin/NSAIDs, active major bleeding, and known bleeding disorders.