skip to main content

COPD with chronic hypoxaemia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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

HardCOPDCOPD with chronic hypoxaemiaSCE Respiratory

A patient with fibrotic ILD has resting SpO2 95% but plans a long-haul flight. During hypoxic challenge testing, PaO2 falls below the accepted in-flight threshold. What is the appropriate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Prescribe and titrate in-flight oxygen for the journey

Hypoxic challenge testing estimates cabin-altitude oxygenation in patients whose resting saturation does not settle the question. A result below the accepted threshold supports prescribed in-flight oxygen, titrated to an adequate response; it does not automatically establish long-term oxygen eligibility at sea level.

Reference: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/