Question

A 70-year-old man with severe COPD presents with increasing dyspnoea, sputum volume and sputum purulence over 3 days. He is febrile at 38.2 °C, oxygen saturation is 90% on room air and there is a wheeze with coarse crackles. Chest X-ray shows no new consolidation. Which factor best supports the decision to commence antibiotics for an acute exacerbation of COPD?

Accepted Answer

Increase in purulent sputum with dyspnoea

Answer

Increase in breathlessness only

Answer

Presence of wheeze on auscultation

Answer

History of previous exacerbations

Answer

Continuous oxygen use at home

Practice question