The client is 5 days post-PCI for acute coronary syndrome. Highlight the findings that require medication follow-up before discharge.
Highlight in Table
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Self-stopping ticagrelor, new melena with a hemoglobin decrease, routine ibuprofen use, and an unreviewed duplicate aspirin product require immediate antithrombotic medication reconciliation.
Quick answer Protect both stent patency and bleeding safety.
Why this is correct DAPT reduces recurrent ischemic events after ACS but increases bleeding risk. New bleeding, nonprescribed NSAIDs, duplicate aspirin, or a plan to stop the P2Y12 inhibitor require coordinated review rather than unilateral changes.
Easy analogy or mental picture The anti-clot bridge must stay intact, but extra bleeding weights cannot be added without review.
Memory hook After PCI: do not self-stop, do not double aspirin, and report bleeding.
NCLEX decision rule Identify modifiable bleeding risks while preserving the prescribed antiplatelet strategy.
Why the other choices are wrong A stable radial site, adherence to a prescribed statin, and normal oxygenation do not require antiplatelet correction.
References
1AHA/ACC 2025 Acute Coronary Syndromes GuidelineDual antiplatelet therapy after ACS, bleeding-risk mitigation, and coordinated medication decisions
Post-PCI reconciliationVerify each antiplatelet, aspirin source, bleeding symptom, hemoglobin trend, NSAID use, procedure plan, adherence barrier, and responsible prescriber.