Question

A 68-year-old woman with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, cough and purulent sputum over 3 days. She is using her usual inhalers. Observations: temperature 37.8°C, RR 24/min, SpO2 90% on air, BP 130/78 mmHg. There are no signs of consolidation on chest examination. What is the most appropriate initial management in primary care?

Accepted Answer

Start oral Prednisolone and an oral antibiotic, and increase bronchodilator therapy

Answer

Refer as an emergency for hospital admission in all COPD exacerbations

Answer

Start long-term oral steroids

Answer

Stop her inhaled bronchodilators and give codeine linctus

Answer

Prescribe oral antibiotics only without steroids

Practice question