A 63-year-old with pneumonia and COPD exacerbation is hypoxic. ABG: pH 7.31, PaCO₂ 58, PaO₂ 62 on 2 L O₂. Next step to reduce work of breathing?...

Question

A 63-year-old with pneumonia and COPD exacerbation is hypoxic. ABG: pH 7.31, PaCO₂ 58, PaO₂ 62 on 2 L O₂. Next step to reduce work of breathing?

Accepted Answer

Trial of noninvasive ventilation

Answer

Increase O₂ to 100% via nonrebreather only

Answer

Immediate intubation for all hypercapnia

Answer

Nebulised racemic epinephrine

Answer

Heliox only

us-abem MCQ (SBA): COPD Exacerbation (NIV)