Question

A 55-year-old man with a known history of COPD presents with increased sputum production and purulence, and increased dyspnoea over the last 48 hours. He denies any haemodynamic instability. His oxygen saturations are 90% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Oral antibiotics and oral steroids

Answer

Hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Non-invasive ventilation in the emergency department

Answer

Immediate intubation and mechanical ventilation

Answer

High-flow nasal oxygen therapy

Practice question

A 55-year-old man with a known history of COPD presents with increased sputum production and purulence, and increased dyspnoea over the last 48 hours. He denies any haemodynamic instability. His oxygen saturations are 90% on room air. What is the most appropriate initial management?