Question

A 62-year-old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, purulent sputum and wheeze. His oxygen saturation is 90% on air. According to NICE COPD guidance, which of the following is NOT routinely recommended in the management of an acute exacerbation in primary or secondary care?

Accepted Answer

High-dose inhaled corticosteroids as first-line treatment of the exacerbation

Answer

Short-acting bronchodilators (SABA/SAMA)

Answer

Short course of oral Prednisolone

Answer

Antibiotics if sputum is purulent

Answer

Controlled oxygen therapy aiming for saturations 88–92%

Practice question

A 62-year-old man with known COPD presents with increased breathlessness, purulent sputum and wheeze. His oxygen saturation is 90% on air. According to NICE COPD guidance, which of the following is NOT routinely recommended in the management of an acute exacerbation in primary or secondary care?