Question

A 69 year old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and production of purulent sputum for 3 days. His oxygen saturations are 88 percent on air, respiratory rate is 26 per minute and he is using accessory muscles. What is the most appropriate immediate oxygen strategy?

Accepted Answer

Give controlled oxygen aiming for saturations 88 to 92 percent

Answer

Give high flow oxygen 15 litres via non rebreather mask

Answer

Avoid oxygen therapy unless saturations fall below 80 percent

Answer

Give high flow oxygen to achieve saturations above 98 percent

Answer

Use room air only while starting nebulisers

Practice question

A 69 year old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and production of purulent sputum for 3 days. His oxygen saturations are 88 percent on air, respiratory rate is 26 per minute and he is using accessory muscles. What is the most appropriate immediate oxygen strategy?