COPD - Overview

Question 1

When a COPD patient is getting reviewed, why might it be important to know their; smoking status?

Answer 1

• Gives you an idea of how bad their condition probably is

- Always consider smoking cessation

Question 2

When a COPD patient is getting reviewed, why might it be important to know their; last COPD review?

Answer 2

• To know how optimal their treatment is and whether they keep contact with healthcare professionals regularly

Question 3

When a COPD patient is getting reviewed, why might it be important to know their; last oxygen saturations?

Answer 3

• This gives you a baseline to assess the severity of a potential exacerbation

Question 4

When a COPD patient is getting reviewed, why might it be important to know their; previous hospital admissions?

Answer 4

• This also helps to assess the patients control over their COPD

Question 5

When a COPD patient is getting reviewed, why might it be important to know their; current medications?

Answer 5

• Shows how controlled their COPD is

- Helps anticipate any side effects

Question 6

What is contained within a COPD ‘Rescue pack’?

Answer 6

• Prednisolone

- Doxycycline

Question 7

When should you consider an emergency admission of a COPD (12 features in total from NICE)?

Answer 7

1. Severe breathlessness
2. Inability to cope at home (or they live alone)
3. Poor deteriorating general condition
4. Rapid onset
5. Acute confusion or impaired consciousness
6. Cyanosis
7. O2 sats <90%
8. Worsening peripheral oedema
9. New arrhythmia
10. Failure of exacerbation to respond to treatment
11. Already on long term oxygen therapy (LTOT)
12. CXR changes