Question

A 67-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents to the emergency department with increased dyspnoea, cough, and purulent sputum for 3 days. His oxygen saturation is 90% on room air, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min, and he has bilateral wheezes. According to CTS COPD and Canadian emergency care guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Administer short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol and ipratropium), systemic corticosteroids, controlled oxygen, and consider antibiotics based on sputum purulence and severity

Answer

Start long-term oral corticosteroids and discharge without bronchodilators

Answer

Start high-flow oxygen at 15 L/min without monitoring

Answer

Avoid steroids due to risk of hyperglycaemia

Answer

Start inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy

Practice question