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Long-term oxygen therapy — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardCOPDLong-term oxygen therapySCE Respiratory

A 72-year-old man with severe COPD is clinically stable 8 weeks after an exacerbation. He is an ex-smoker, uses LABA/LAMA inhalers and has completed pulmonary rehabilitation. Resting SpO2 is 88% on air on two visits and ABG shows PaO2 7.1 kPa, PaCO2 5.7 kPa, pH 7.40. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Refer for long-term oxygen therapy assessment and titration

He has stable severe resting hypoxaemia and should be referred for formal LTOT assessment and titration. Ambulatory or nocturnal oxygen should not replace assessment for LTOT in persistently hypoxaemic COPD. Escalating inhaled therapy or searching for PE is not the most direct management when repeated stable ABGs meet oxygen-assessment criteria.

Reference: BTS Home Oxygen Guideline 2015; NICE NG115