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COPD maintenance therapy — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD maintenance therapyGPhC CRA

A 67-year-old man with COPD remains breathless despite using salbutamol when needed. He has no features of asthma and has had no exacerbations in the past year. His GP asks which maintenance inhaler class is generally suitable. What is the most appropriate alternative?

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Correct answer: C — Start a long-acting bronchodilator such as LAMA or LABA

For COPD symptoms without asthmatic features, maintenance treatment usually begins with long-acting bronchodilation. A LAMA or LABA can reduce breathlessness and improve exercise tolerance. Inhaled corticosteroid monotherapy is not the usual first-line maintenance approach in COPD.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF