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Safe oxygen prescription in COPD — SCE Acute Medicine MCQ

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EasyProcedural Knowledge and Acute Management DecisionsSafe oxygen prescription in COPDSCE Acute Medicine

A 70-year-old man is assessed on the acute medical unit. He has known COPD with previous NIV and is admitted with infective exacerbation. Saturation is 85% on air and nursing staff ask for an oxygen target. Initial assessment includes relevant observations, bedside tests and urgent blood results. What would you advise this patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Target oxygen saturation 88-92% pending blood gas results

Target oxygen saturation 88-92% pending blood gas results is the best answer because patients at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure should receive controlled oxygen to a target of 88-92% pending ABG. Discuss escalation preferences and document capacity and best interests is plausible, but it is less appropriate for the physiology or timing described in this stem. The other distractors either fit a neighbouring presentation, delay definitive treatment, or miss the key immediate risk. Clinical pearl: Oxygen is prescribed to a target range, not simply given or withheld.

Reference: BTS oxygen guideline; BNF