You are called to a 70-year-old male with known severe COPD who is found unresponsive at home. He has a GCS of 3, agonal breathing at 4 breaths per mi...

Question

You are called to a 70-year-old male with known severe COPD who is found unresponsive at home. He has a GCS of 3, agonal breathing at 4 breaths per minute, and SpO2 of 60% on air. His family shows you his ReSPECT form which states he would want treatment up to and including ICU admission. What is the appropriate oxygen therapy in this immediate situation?

Accepted Answer

High-flow oxygen 15 L/min via a non-rebreather mask - in immediate life-threatening hypoxia, correcting the hypoxia takes absolute priority regardless of COPD status; titrate down once stabilised

Answer

Controlled oxygen via Venturi mask at 24% only - maintain the 88-92% target regardless of severity

Answer

Room air only until a blood gas is obtained

Answer

No oxygen - the patient has COPD and any supplemental oxygen will cause respiratory arrest

Answer

Nasal cannulae at 2 L/min only

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Life-Threatening Hypoxia in COPD