Final Answer:
For a patient prescribed ipratropium, the nurse would anticipate an order for respiratory treatments(option b).
Step-by-step explanation:
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication commonly used to manage respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. Its primary function is to dilate and relax the airways, making breathing easier for individuals experiencing respiratory distress. Considering the nature of ipratropium and its intended therapeutic effect on the respiratory system, the nurse would expect a prescription for respiratory treatments.
Respiratory treatments encompass a range of interventions aimed at directly addressing respiratory issues and promoting improved breathing. These treatments often include inhalation therapies or nebulizer treatments that assist in delivering medications directly to the airways. Given that ipratropium works by relaxing bronchial muscles and widening air passages, these respiratory treatments would complement the medication's action, enhancing its efficacy in managing symptoms and improving lung function.
While maintaining proper hydration (increased fluid intake) is generally beneficial for health, it's not directly correlated with the administration of ipratropium. Proton pump inhibitors are medications used to reduce stomach acid production and are unrelated to the action or purpose of ipratropium. Similarly, muscle relaxants are not typically associated with the treatment plan for respiratory conditions where ipratropium is indicated.
Therefore, the most pertinent and aligned order for a patient prescribed ipratropium would be a prescription for respiratory treatments (option b) to optimize the medication's therapeutic effects on the respiratory system.