Question

A 63-year-old man with a history of COPD presents with increased breathlessness, productive cough with green sputum and wheeze for 3 days. He is able to speak in sentences. Oxygen saturations are 90% on air, respiratory rate 24/min, chest shows widespread wheeze. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen therapy?

Accepted Answer

Venturi mask delivering 28% oxygen aiming saturations 88–92%

Answer

High-flow oxygen via non-rebreathe mask at 15 L/min aiming saturations 100%

Answer

Nasal cannulae at 1 L/min aiming saturations 95–98%

Answer

No oxygen until arterial blood gases are checked

Answer

High-flow nasal oxygen at 60 L/min aiming saturations 92–96%

Practice question