Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What is the standard dosage range for aspirin administration?

1. 50-100 mg

2. 162-324 mg

3. 400-600 mg

4. 81 mg as needed

The correct answer is: 162-324 mg

The standard dosage range for aspirin administration, specifically in the context of emergency medical services and initial treatment for conditions like acute coronary syndrome, is typically between 162 to 324 mg. This dosage is recommended to help inhibit platelet aggregation and prevent further clot formation. The higher dosage range within this option is effective for patients experiencing a heart attack, as it provides a significant antiplatelet effect. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) often use this dosage in the field, ensuring prompt treatment before reaching the hospital. While lower doses of aspirin, such as 81 mg, are sometimes utilized for daily maintenance therapy in patients at risk for cardiovascular events, this is not the appropriate range for acute situations. Similarly, the doses of 50-100 mg or 400-600 mg fall outside the standard recommendation for emergency use and may not provide the immediate therapeutic effect required in acute scenarios.