Question

A 62-year-old man with COPD, living alone in a rural town 300 km from the nearest tertiary hospital, presents for review after a recent exacerbation requiring hospitalisation. According to rural and remote care principles, which strategy is most appropriate to reduce future exacerbations and hospital use?

Accepted Answer

Develop an individualised COPD action plan and arrange pulmonary rehabilitation where feasible, including telehealth support

Answer

Advise him to present only when breathlessness is severe

Answer

Rely solely on emergency retrieval services

Answer

Withhold influenza and pneumococcal vaccination as he is already unwell

Answer

Stop all inhaled medications to simplify management

Practice question