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COPD exacerbation assessment — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD exacerbation assessmentGPhC CRA

A 67-year-old man with COPD uses salbutamol inhaler several times daily and tiotropium once daily. He has increasing breathlessness, oxygen saturation 95%, no fever and no change in sputum colour. He asks whether he should start leftover amoxicillin. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: D — Do not start antibiotics without features suggesting bacterial exacerbation

Antibiotics are not indicated for every increase in COPD breathlessness. Purulent sputum, systemic features or clear exacerbation criteria would change the assessment. The pharmacist should advise appropriate reliever use, check inhaler technique, and arrange clinical review if symptoms worsen or function declines.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF