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COPD breathlessness and rehabilitation — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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EasyCOPDCOPD breathlessness and rehabilitationSCE Respiratory

A 71-year-old woman with COPD is reviewed after hospitalisation. She remains housebound with MRC dyspnoea grade 4 despite inhaler optimisation. Oxygen saturation is 94% on air and she has completed smoking cessation. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Refer for pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation is indicated for functionally limited COPD patients, including after hospitalisation, and improves exercise capacity and quality of life. LTOT requires documented severe hypoxaemia, not housebound status alone. Long-term steroids, bed rest and prolonged antibiotics are not appropriate for stable breathlessness.

Reference: NICE NG115 COPD; BTS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guideline