Question

A 66-year-old man with COPD is admitted with an acute exacerbation. Oxygen saturation on air is 85%, respiratory rate 28/min. His baseline saturations are 92%. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen strategy in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Controlled oxygen via Venturi mask aiming for saturations of 88–92%.

Answer

High-flow oxygen via non-rebreathe mask at 15 L/min to achieve saturations above 98%.

Answer

No oxygen should be given until arterial blood gases are available.

Answer

Low-flow nasal cannula oxygen aiming for saturations of 100%.

Answer

Room air only because oxygen may worsen hypercapnia.

Practice question

A 66-year-old man with COPD is admitted with an acute exacerbation. Oxygen saturation on air is 85%, respiratory rate 28/min. His baseline saturations are 92%. What is the most appropriate initial oxygen strategy in the emergency department?