It is estimated that half a million Americans will suffer strokes this year (National Stroke Association, 1989). The physical, emotional, and financial impacts of such an event are enormous. While stroke treatment methods have improved and rehabilitation programs have expanded, a substantial number of stroke patients are left with major disabilities. The only way to intervene is to focus on stroke prevention through the identification and modification of risk factors. One such intervention involves antiplatelet therapy, which has been found to reduce the risk of initial thrombotic stroke and the potential for recurrent stroke. Nurses caring for stroke patients need to know about this type of therapy, because continuity of pharmacological treatment, patient compliance, and education are essential for adequate stroke prevention.