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COPD exacerbation counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD exacerbation counsellingGPhC CRA

A 70-year-old woman with COPD brings a prescription for prednisolone 30mg daily for 5 days and amoxicillin 500mg three times daily for 5 days. She has increased sputum purulence, breathlessness and uses gliclazide for type 2 diabetes. She asks what to watch for. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: C — Monitor blood glucose more closely and seek help if breathing worsens

Prednisolone can raise blood glucose, and COPD exacerbation treatment needs clear safety-netting. Purulent sputum supports antibiotic treatment, but worsening breathlessness or systemic illness requires urgent review. Morning dosing of prednisolone is usually preferred, and diabetes monitoring is a practical counselling point.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF