Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The least likely to cause bleeding after a surgical operation is codeine.

Codeine is an opioid analgesic primarily used to manage pain. It does not have anticoagulant or anti-platelet properties, meaning it does not interfere with blood clotting or promote bleeding in the same way that some other medications might. After surgery, it's common for patients to be prescribed pain relief, and codeine is often chosen for its efficacy without the heightened risk of causing bleeding complications.

In contrast, options such as antibiotic therapy can complicate healing if they lead to allergic reactions or if they affect the normal flora, but they are not directly associated with bleeding. Poor surgical techniques can indeed lead to complications and increase the risk of bleeding due to inadequate closure of blood vessels or damage to surrounding tissue. Aspirin is known for its blood-thinning properties and is used to inhibit platelet aggregation, making it a well-recognized factor that can increase the risk of post-operative bleeding.

Understanding the pharmacological effects of these medications helps clarify their role in post-surgical care, particularly in relation to bleeding risks.