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COPD exacerbation — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardRespiratory emergenciesCOPD exacerbationRCPSC EM

A patient with bronchiectasis develops life-threatening right-sided hemoptysis and worsening oxygenation. While the airway and bronchoscopy teams prepare, how should the patient be positioned?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Right lateral decubitus with the bleeding lung dependent

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · A = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · C = shown as E

B is correct because placing the bleeding lung down limits contamination of the unaffected lung. C and A place the good lung dependent. D permits bilateral flooding. E may aid expectoration in minor bleeding but does not protect the contralateral lung in life-threatening hemorrhage.

Reference: Emergency Care BC, Hemoptysis—Diagnosis and Treatment: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/hemoptysis-diagnosis-treatment/