A patient is prescribed an enteric coated aspirin for long-term risk reduction after suffering from a myocardial infarction. She has a history of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.  Which of the following patient statements indicates the need for additional instruction?

Explanation

• Enteric coated aspirin are made to bypass the stomach and be digested by the intestines to reduce the risk of gastric ulcers. Enteric coated aspirin should never be chewed in someone with a history of GI bleeds because this would increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding 

• Aspirin is approved for use in children over the age of 2 (not younger), but caution is advised because after certain viral illnesses (particularly influenza or chicken pox) children and teenagers can develop Reye syndrome.  Reye syndrome causes swelling of the liver and brain and can cause permanent brain damage or death 

• Coffee ground emesis or tarry stools are both signs of a potential GI bleed and should be reported immediately.  Regular aspirin intake increases risk for GI bleeding 

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