Question

A 58-year-old woman with COPD presents with increased breathlessness, increased sputum volume and purulence. SpO₂ 94% RA; no pneumonia signs. Which antibiotic strategy is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Immediate amoxicillin or doxycycline

Answer

No antibiotics regardless of purulence

Answer

Immediate co-amoxiclav

Answer

Macrolide 5 days for all exacerbations

Answer

Await sputum culture before treating

Practice question

A 58-year-old woman with COPD presents with increased breathlessness, increased sputum volume and purulence. SpO₂ 94% RA; no pneumonia signs. Which antibiotic strategy is appropriate?