Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the next step for a COPD patient whose ipratropium is ineffective?

1. Increase ipratropium dose

2. Start oxygen therapy

3. Add albuterol inhaler

4. Continue current treatment only

The correct answer is: Add albuterol inhaler

In managing a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it is crucial to ensure that the treatment plan effectively addresses their symptoms and improves their quality of life. Ipratropium is an anticholinergic bronchodilator that can help relieve bronchospasm; however, if a patient finds it ineffective, it indicates that their airway obstruction is not sufficiently managed with this medication alone. Adding an albuterol inhaler, which is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), provides immediate bronchodilation and can help relax the muscles around the airways. This makes it especially suitable as a rescue medication, effectively relieving symptoms of wheezing and difficulty breathing during acute exacerbations or when other medications are not providing adequate control. Starting oxygen therapy is not the immediate next step unless the patient is experiencing significant hypoxemia or is in respiratory distress. While increasing the dose of ipratropium may seem like a potential option, this approach may not effectively address the patient’s acute worsening symptoms if the current regimen is already ineffective. Continuing the current treatment without adjustments would likely delay symptom relief and negatively impact the patient's well-being. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to add an albuterol inhaler to the treatment