The nurse is instructing a client who is prescribed ipratropium ...

[Garrulous]

The nurse is instructing a client who is prescribed ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) for asthma. Which should be included in this client's teaching?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Take no more than the prescribed number of doses each day.
  B) Rinse the mouth after taking this medication.
  C) Take on an empty stomach.
  D) Take with meals or a full glass of water.
  E) Use hard candy or drink extra fluids to help with a dry mouth.

Question 2

A client asks why asthma medication is needed even though the client's last attack was several months ago. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  A) The medication needs to be taken or your lungs will be severely damaged and we will not be able to prevent an acute attack.
  B) The medication needs to be taken indefinitely according to your doctor, so you should discuss this with him.
  C) The medication is still needed to decrease inflammation in your airways and help prevent an attack.
  D) The medication needs to be taken for at least a year; then, if you have not had an acute attack, you can stop it.

[Jmfn03]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: A, E

Appropriate teaching for a client prescribed ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) includes only taking the prescribed number of doses each day to prevent a drug overdose and the use of hard candy or extra fluids to decrease dry mouth. The mouth does not need to be rinsed after taking this medication. This medication does not need to be taken with meals or a full glass of water, or on an empty stomach.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C

Effective treatment of asthma includes long-term treatment to prevent attacks and decrease inflammation, as well as short-term treatment when an attack occurs. Long-term treatment of asthma continues indefinitely, not for just 1 year. Telling a client that lungs will be severely damaged is nontherapeutic; the inability to prevent an acute attack in this client is not true. The nurse is able to answer the client's question; it does not need to be referred to the physician.

[Garrulous]

Gracias!

[milbourne11]

Excellent