Question

A 71-year-old man with COPD presents with increased breathlessness and cough. Sputum is now green. Temperature 37.4°C, no consolidation on exam, oxygen saturations unchanged. Which feature most supports prescribing an antibiotic in a COPD exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

Increased sputum purulence

Answer

Increased sputum volume alone

Answer

Wheeze on auscultation

Answer

Elevated CRP 15 mg/L

Answer

Increased use of SABA

Practice question

A 71-year-old man with COPD presents with increased breathlessness and cough. Sputum is now green. Temperature 37.4°C, no consolidation on exam, oxygen saturations unchanged. Which feature most supports prescribing an antibiotic in a COPD exacerbation?