AEMCA Practice Exam

What is ASA and how does it function in the body?

1. It is an NSAID that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2

2. It is a vasodilator that decreases blood pressure

3. It is an antibiotic that fights infections

4. It is a stimulant that increases heart rate

The correct answer is: It is an NSAID that inhibits COX-1 and COX-2

ASA, commonly known as aspirin, functions as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Its primary action involves the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes, specifically COX-1 and COX-2. By blocking these enzymes, aspirin effectively reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. In the context of the body, this inhibition leads to decreased inflammation and pain relief in conditions such as arthritis or after surgical procedures. Additionally, the anti-platelet effects of aspirin stem from its irreversible inhibition of COX-1 in platelets, which helps prevent blood clots and is a key reason why aspirin is often prescribed for cardiovascular health. The other choices describe substances that do not align with the established function of ASA. It is not a vasodilator, antibiotic, or stimulant, which distinguishes aspirin's role in managing pain and preventing cardiovascular events through its mechanism of inhibiting cyclooxygenase.