Question

A 69-year-old ex-smoker with known COPD presents with increasing breathlessness, productive green sputum and wheeze for 3 days. He is using his Salbutamol inhaler more frequently. On examination he is mildly dyspnoeic at rest, respiratory rate 24 breaths/min, oxygen saturation 90% on air, and has wheezes and reduced air entry bilaterally. What is the most appropriate initial management in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Prescribe oral Prednisolone and short course of oral antibiotics, and increase use of short-acting bronchodilator

Answer

Start high-flow uncontrolled oxygen via non-rebreathe mask and arrange routine review

Answer

Advise bed rest and no change to inhalers

Answer

Start long-term oral Theophylline and stop other inhalers

Answer

Arrange urgent elective referral for lung transplantation

Practice question