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COPD reliever counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD reliever counsellingGPhC CRA

A 60-year-old man newly prescribed umeclidinium/vilanterol asks why he still needs a salbutamol inhaler. He has COPD, no asthma history and uses his reliever twice weekly. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: C — Keep salbutamol for relief of acute breathlessness

A long-acting maintenance inhaler reduces symptoms and exacerbation risk but does not replace a short-acting reliever for acute breathlessness. Infrequent salbutamol use can be appropriate if symptoms are otherwise controlled. Technique and adherence to the maintenance inhaler should also be checked.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS