Question

A 70-year-old with severe COPD presents with acute dyspnea. ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 68 mm Hg, PaO₂ 58 mm Hg on 2 L O₂. He is alert. Best initial ventilatory support?

Accepted Answer

Noninvasive ventilation (bilevel positive airway pressure)

Answer

Intubation and mechanical ventilation now

Answer

High-flow nasal cannula only

Answer

Increase oxygen to 6 L by nasal cannula

Answer

Heliox therapy alone

Practice question

A 70-year-old with severe COPD presents with acute dyspnea. ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 68 mm Hg, PaO₂ 58 mm Hg on 2 L O₂. He is alert. Best initial ventilatory support?