Question

A 65 year old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with increasing breathlessness and productive cough for 3 days. He is using his short acting bronchodilator every 2 hours. On examination his respiratory rate is 28 breaths per minute, oxygen saturation is 89 percent on air, and there are widespread wheezes. Arterial blood gas on 28 percent oxygen shows pH 7.35, PaCO2 6.8 kPa and PaO2 7.8 kPa. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen target saturation range for this patient?

Accepted Answer

88 to 92 percent using controlled oxygen via Venturi mask

Answer

94 to 98 percent using high flow oxygen

Answer

80 to 85 percent with minimal supplemental oxygen

Answer

70 to 75 percent to avoid carbon dioxide retention

Answer

No supplemental oxygen because of risk of carbon dioxide retention

Practice question