A provider has prescribed ipratropium bromide/albuterol sulfate (Combivent) for a patient who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse explains that this combination product is prescribed primarily for which reason?
a. To be more convenient for patients who require both medications
b. To improve compliance in patients who may forget to take both drugs
c. To increase forced expiratory volume, an indicator of symptom improvement
d. To minimize the side effects that would occur if the drugs are given separately
Question 2
A patient will begin using ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), albuterol (Proventil), and an inhaled glucocorticoid medication (steroid) to treat chronic bronchitis.
When teaching this patient about disease and medication management, the nurse will instruct the patient to administer these medications in which order?
a. Albuterol, ipratropium bromide, steroid
b. Albuterol, steroid, ipratropium bromide
c. Ipratropium bromide, albuterol, steroid
d. Steroid, ipratropium bromide, albuterol