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COPD exacerbation — DIPIMC MCQ

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ModerateMedical EmergenciesCOPD exacerbationDIPIMCDipIMC

A patient with known COPD is breathless with oxygen saturations of 84 percent and is at risk of becoming drowsy. There is a documented history of carbon dioxide retention.

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Correct answer: B — Give controlled oxygen via a 28 percent Venturi mask, targeting a saturation of 88 to 92 percent.

In a patient with COPD at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, oxygen is delivered in a controlled manner, for example via a 28 percent Venturi mask, targeting a saturation of 88 to 92 percent until blood gases are available. High-flow oxygen with no target risks worsening hypercapnia, while withholding oxygen risks dangerous hypoxia. Nebulisers in this group are ideally air-driven, with oxygen given separately to maintain the target.

Reference: BTS/SIGN Emergency Oxygen Guideline