Certified Nephrology Nurse Certification (CNN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Nephrology Nursing Practice Questions and Study Guide

Aspirin is known to increase the effectiveness of heparin due to its antiplatelet properties. Heparin prevents the formation of blood clots by inhibiting factors within the coagulation cascade, while aspirin specifically inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase, which is crucial for the synthesis of thromboxane A2, a compound that promotes platelet aggregation. This combined effect enhances the overall anticoagulant response, making the use of aspirin beneficial in certain clinical scenarios where preventing thrombosis is critical.

The other options do not possess this synergistic effect with heparin. Digoxin is primarily used in the treatment of heart conditions and does not directly influence anticoagulation. Quinine, while used for treating malaria, can lead to complications with anticoagulation without increasing heparin's effectiveness. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, serves to treat bacterial infections and has no relevant interaction with heparin that would enhance its efficacy.