Question

A 72-year-old man with COPD attends the respiratory clinic. He has stopped smoking but remains breathless on exertion. His recent arterial blood gas on room air when clinically stable shows PaO2 7.1 kPa and PaCO2 5.8 kPa. He has secondary polycythaemia. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Refer for assessment for long-term oxygen therapy at home

Answer

Reassure him that no further treatment is needed

Answer

Start ambulatory oxygen for use only when he feels breathless

Answer

Prescribe nocturnal oxygen only when sleeping

Answer

Offer high-dose oral prednisolone long term

Practice question

A 72-year-old man with COPD attends the respiratory clinic. He has stopped smoking but remains breathless on exertion. His recent arterial blood gas on room air when clinically stable shows PaO2 7.1 kPa and PaCO2 5.8 kPa. He has secondary polycythaemia. What is the most appropriate next step?