Which medication is an antiplatelet that reduces clot formation?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Pink Frothy Sputum
• C. Jugular Vein Distention
• D. Aspirin

Answer: (D)

Antiplatelet drugs work by stopping platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Aspirin does this by irreversibly inhibiting COX-1 in platelets, which lowers production of thromboxane A2, a chemical that promotes platelet aggregation. Because platelets can’t synthesize new COX-1, the antiplatelet effect lasts for the lifespan of the platelet (about 7–10 days), helping to reduce clot formation, especially in arteries where clots cause heart attacks and strokes.

The other items aren’t medications: atherosclerosis is a disease process that raises clot risk, pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema or respiratory distress, and jugular venous distention is a sign of elevated venous pressure. So aspirin is the antiplatelet that reduces clot formation.