Question

A 71-year-old man with known COPD presents with increasing breathlessness and productive cough. On arrival his oxygen saturation is 82% on air, respiratory rate 26 breaths per minute and PaCO2 on venous blood gas is raised. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Controlled oxygen via Venturi mask aiming saturations 88–92%

Answer

High-flow oxygen via non-rebreathe mask to achieve saturation 100%

Answer

No oxygen because of the risk of carbon dioxide retention

Answer

Nasal cannula oxygen aiming saturations 95–98%

Answer

Intubation and ventilation without a trial of controlled oxygen

Practice question

A 71-year-old man with known COPD presents with increasing breathlessness and productive cough. On arrival his oxygen saturation is 82% on air, respiratory rate 26 breaths per minute and PaCO2 on venous blood gas is raised. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen therapy?