If a patient develops an aspirin allergy while on aspirin for a recent TIA, what should the nurse practitioner consider changing to?

When a patient develops an aspirin allergy, particularly after experiencing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), it is essential to transition to an alternative antiplatelet medication. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is a platelet aggregation inhibitor that can effectively reduce the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events, making it an appropriate alternative to aspirin for the management of patients at risk for strokes or TIAs.

Clopidogrel works through a different mechanism than aspirin, which makes it suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate aspirin due to allergies. Clinicians often recommend clopidogrel as a first-line alternative in patients with aspirin intolerance, thereby ensuring continuity in the management of their cardiovascular risk without introducing adverse allergic reactions.

In contrast, other options like valproic acid, which is primarily an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication, would not be appropriate for this indication as it does not possess antiplatelet properties. Endarterectomy is a surgical intervention used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with carotid artery stenosis, rather than a direct pharmacological alternative for managing an aspirin allergy. Butalbital is a barbiturate that is typically used for headache relief and does not play a role in the prevention of stroke or TIA, making