Question

A 70-year-old man with GOLD stage 3 COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and a change in sputum to thick green phlegm over 3 days. He is afebrile, with saturations 91% on air. What is the most appropriate initial management regarding oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Give controlled oxygen via Venturi mask aiming saturations 88–92%

Answer

Give high-flow oxygen via non-rebreathe mask to achieve saturations 100%

Answer

Avoid oxygen altogether to prevent CO₂ retention

Answer

Give controlled oxygen aiming saturations 70–75%

Answer

Intubate immediately without trial of controlled oxygen

Practice question

A 70-year-old man with GOLD stage 3 COPD presents with increased breathlessness, wheeze and a change in sputum to thick green phlegm over 3 days. He is afebrile, with saturations 91% on air. What is the most appropriate initial management regarding oxygen?