A patient with a COPD exacerbation has pH 7.28 and pCO2 70 mmHg. What is the preferred respiratory support?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Non-invasive ventilation
- Step 1: Acute hypercapnic respiratory acidosis in COPD responds to non-invasive ventilation.
- Step 2: Target oxygen saturation is 88-92%.
Answer
Non-invasive ventilation.
Why not the others: 'High-flow 100% oxygen by mask' can worsen hypercapnia in COPD; 'Immediate intubation in all cases' is reserved for non-invasive ventilation failure; 'Oral morphine' depresses respiration.
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