Question

A 62-year-old man with COPD (FEV1 45% predicted) presents with increased breathlessness, increased sputum volume and purulent sputum. His oxygen saturation is 90% on air, respiratory rate 26/min. There is no pneumonia on chest X-ray. What is the most appropriate immediate management in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Start oral Prednisolone and an appropriate oral antibiotic

Answer

Increase short-acting bronchodilator use and give oral Prednisolone alone

Answer

Start long-term oxygen therapy immediately

Answer

Switch to an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta agonist inhaler only

Answer

Give high-dose IV antibiotics in the community

Practice question