Chest wall disease with hypercapnic respiratory failure — SCE Respiratory MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Start NIV with controlled oxygen and assess for long-term domiciliary ventilation
Kyphoscoliosis can cause acute-on-chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, and acidaemia with high CO2 requires NIV with controlled oxygen. High-flow oxygen alone can worsen CO2 retention and fails to ventilate. CPAP, antibiotics alone and nocturnal oxygen do not address ventilatory pump failure.
Reference: BTS/ICS AHRF Guideline; BTS Oxygen Guideline