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COPD exacerbation red flags — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRespiratory TherapeuticsCOPD exacerbation red flagsGPhC CRA

A 62-year-old man with COPD asks for a replacement salbutamol inhaler. He reports increased sputum purulence, breathlessness and needing his reliever every 2 hours. His oxygen saturation is 90% and he is drowsy. What is the most appropriate action?

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Correct answer: D — Arrange urgent emergency assessment rather than supplying reliever alone

The patient has features of a significant COPD exacerbation with hypoxaemia and drowsiness, which may indicate hypercapnia or impending respiratory failure. He needs urgent emergency assessment rather than community management alone. Increasing reliever supply does not address the severity of the presentation. Adjusting maintenance inhalers should not delay acute care.

Reference: NICE CKS COPD; BNF