Question

A 74-year-old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and purulent sputum for 3 days. He is afebrile with oxygen saturation 92% on room air, RR 24/min. There are no signs of consolidation. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Increase short-acting bronchodilator use and commence oral prednisolone and oral antibiotics

Answer

Start broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and admit to ICU

Answer

Commence oral prednisolone alone without antibiotics

Answer

Give high-dose inhaled corticosteroid alone

Answer

Arrange urgent CT pulmonary angiography to exclude PE

Practice question

A 74-year-old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and purulent sputum for 3 days. He is afebrile with oxygen saturation 92% on room air, RR 24/min. There are no signs of consolidation. What is the most appropriate initial management?