Respiratory

Question 1

How often should people with COPD be reviewed?

Answer 1

-Mild / moderate = at least once a year
-Severe = every 6 months

Question 2

What should be assessed in a COPD review?

Answer 2

-Adequacy of symptom control (severity, frequency of exacerbations)
-Medication review (adherence, technique, SEs)
-Record smoking status and BMI
-Offer annual influenza / covid vaccine and once-only pneumococcal vaccine
-Assess for complications and comorbidities
-Carry out spirometry (FEV1 and FVC)
-Consider need for further investigations / referral

Question 3

What must be provided to someone with a new asthma diagnosis?

Answer 3

-Self-management education and personalised action plan
-Given own peak flow meter and measure regularly as part of action plan
-Must be up to date with all vaccinations

Question 4

How should inhalers be initiated in an asthma patient?

Answer 4

-Initiate at a level appropriate to the severity of disease
-After any adjustment, review after 4-8 weeks
-Start ICS as prevention therapy for all patients using a SABA / have symptoms 3x a week or more OR are woken in the night by symptoms 1x a week or more

Question 5

What class of drug should not be given to asthmatics?

Answer 5

-Beta-blockers

Question 6

How often should asthma patients be reviewed?

Answer 6

-At least once a year