🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 65-year-old male is discharged after an acute ischemic stroke. His workup reveals no evidence of cardioembolic source or large vessel stenosis, suggesting a lacunar stroke. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. What is the most appropriate long-term antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention?

A Warfarin
B Aspirin 81 mg daily
C Rivaroxaban
D Prasugrel

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

For patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, antiplatelet therapy is crucial for secondary prevention. Aspirin 81 mg daily is a standard first-line agent, unless contraindicated. Oral anticoagulants like warfarin or rivaroxaban are for cardioembolic causes.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A 65-year-old male is discharged after an acute ischemic stroke. His workup reveals no evidence of cardioembolic source or large vessel stenosis, suggesting a lacunar stroke. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. What is the most appropriate long-term antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention?" is Option B: Aspirin 81 mg daily.

The other options — A) Warfarin, C) Rivaroxaban, D) Prasugrel — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: For patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, antiplatelet therapy is crucial for secondary prevention. Aspirin 81 mg daily is a standard first-line agent, unless contraindicated. Oral anticoa…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 2-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 3 – Clinical Management topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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