American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

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How soon after ischemic stroke onset can aspirin modestly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes?

24 hours
48 hours
72 hours
One week

The correct answer is: 48 hours

Aspirin can modestly reduce the risk of recurrent strokes when administered within the first 48 hours following the onset of an ischemic stroke. During this critical window, initiating antiplatelet therapy is essential because it can decrease the likelihood of subsequent thromboembolic events. Evidence supports that treatment with aspirin during this period may help in stabilizing a patient’s condition and preventing further ischemic damage, thereby improving outcomes. The timing of aspirin administration is crucial; if given too soon (within the first 24 hours), it may be less clear whether the risks outweigh the benefits. Waiting longer than 48 hours to start aspirin may miss the optimal therapeutic window for preventing recurrent strokes, as the risk of such events is highest shortly after the initial stroke. Therefore, A and C do not align with the recommended timeline for initiating treatment. Additionally, starting aspirin one week after an ischemic stroke is generally too late to have a meaningful impact on the immediate recurrence risk, thus making this timing suboptimal.