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COPD antibiotics criteria — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD antibiotics criteriaGPhC CRA

A patient with COPD has a rescue pack with doxycycline and asks whether to start it for a runny nose. Their sputum amount and colour are unchanged and breathlessness is at baseline. They have no fever. What is the most appropriate alternative?

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Correct answer: E — Use antibiotics if their agreed exacerbation criteria are met

Antibiotics in COPD rescue packs are usually reserved for exacerbations with features such as increased sputum purulence, volume or breathlessness according to the action plan. A runny nose alone does not necessarily indicate a bacterial COPD exacerbation. Taking a partial course or replacing inhaled medicines is inappropriate.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF