Question

A 41-year-old woman with BMI 29 kg/m² and no comorbidities presents with purulent sputum and increased dyspnoea consistent with COPD exacerbation requiring ED care. Which statement about antibiotics is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Indicated for all COPD exacerbations

Answer

Not indicated unless WBC >15,000/µL

Answer

Indicated only if on chronic steroids

Answer

Indicated if increased sputum purulence with volume or dyspnoea

Answer

Indicated only if procalcitonin >0.25 ng/mL

Practice question

A 41-year-old woman with BMI 29 kg/m² and no comorbidities presents with purulent sputum and increased dyspnoea consistent with COPD exacerbation requiring ED care. Which statement about antibiotics is most accurate?