Question

A 70-year-old man with severe COPD (FEV1 25% predicted) is on maximal inhaled therapy and is stable. His resting oxygen saturation is 88% on room air, confirmed on repeated measurements over several weeks while clinically stable. What is the most appropriate next step in long-term management?

Accepted Answer

Commence long-term domiciliary oxygen therapy for at least 15 hours per day

Answer

No further treatment; this saturation is acceptable

Answer

Prescribe nocturnal oxygen only when sleeping

Answer

Start high-dose oral corticosteroids chronically

Answer

Arrange elective intubation and tracheostomy

Practice question

A 70-year-old man with severe COPD (FEV1 25% predicted) is on maximal inhaled therapy and is stable. His resting oxygen saturation is 88% on room air, confirmed on repeated measurements over several weeks while clinically stable. What is the most appropriate next step in long-term management?