Acute COPD- Discharge and Monitoring

Question 1

Things to watch for COPD control

Answer 1

O2 sat, amount of O2 required, clinical symptoms, HR

Question 2

Acute COPD- physical exam things to monitor

Answer 2

Wheezing, accessory muscle use, cyanosis

Question 3

How often do you need to monitor HR and O2 sat?

Answer 3

Every shift, PE daily (but may need to monitor more depending on severity of exacerbation or location of the hospital

Question 4

Acute COPD and monitoring for medication efficacy/toxicity: steroids

Answer 4

WBC, glucose

Question 5

Acute COPD and monitoring for medication efficacy/toxicity: ABX

Answer 5

WBC with neutrophils, temperature, cultures, renal function if ABX is really eliminated

Question 6

Acute COPD: discharge considerations

Answer 6

Check maintenance therapy and understanding

Reassess inhaler technique

Withdrawal of acute ABX/steroids

O2 therapy at home

Comorbidities and follow-up

Early <4 weeks; and then late <12 weeks