Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

What is aspirin's primary mechanism of action as an antiplatelet drug?

1. Increasing platelet aggregation

2. Irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase

3. Stimulating collagen production

4. Direct activation of clotting factors

The correct answer is: Irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase

Aspirin's primary mechanism of action as an antiplatelet drug is irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase, also known as COX. This means that aspirin prevents the formation of a substance called thromboxane A2, which is responsible for increasing platelet aggregation, or clumping together. Stimulating collagen production and direct activation of clotting factors are not related to aspirin's primary mechanism of action as an antiplatelet drug, making options C and D incorrect.