A 78-year-old man with CFS 5 and COPD is admitted with an exacerbation. His SpO2 is 88% on air. The nurse starts 15 L/min O2 via non-rebreathe mask ra...

Question

A 78-year-old man with CFS 5 and COPD is admitted with an exacerbation. His SpO2 is 88% on air. The nurse starts 15 L/min O2 via non-rebreathe mask raising SpO2 to 99%. Why is this potentially dangerous?

Accepted Answer

COPD patients with chronic CO2 retention may depend on hypoxic drive - excessive oxygen suppresses this, risking hypoventilation and CO2 narcosis; target SpO2 88-92%

Answer

High-flow oxygen is always safe

Answer

Oxygen causes bronchospasm

Answer

Fire hazard only

Answer

Causes pulmonary oedema in all patients

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Oxygen Risk in COPD

A 78-year-old man with CFS 5 and COPD is admitted with an exacerbation. His SpO2 is 88% on air. The nurse starts 15 L/min O2 via non-rebreathe mask raising SpO2 to 99%. Why is this potentially dangerous?