An outpatient clinic evaluates a -year-old male with a known history of severe emphysema. Over the last hours, he has experienced progressive dyspnea, increased cough frequency, and a new onset of purulent green sputum. He is afebrile. His respiratory rate is and oxygen saturation is on room air. Auscultation reveals a significantly prolonged expiratory phase with diffuse expiratory wheezes. Cardiovascular examination demonstrates no jugular venous distension and no peripheral edema. Chest radiography displays flattened diaphragms and hyperlucent lung fields without infiltrates or effusions. Which of the following interventions are indicated for the initial management of this patient's acute exacerbation? (Select all that apply)
- Administration of combined inhaled albuterol and ipratropiumCevap
- Administration of oral prednisoneCevap
- Administration of oral azithromycinCevap
- DAdministration of intravenous furosemide
- EAdministration of intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam
Cevap
The correct interventions are the administration of combined inhaled albuterol and ipratropium, oral prednisone, and oral azithromycin.
This patient meets the criteria for an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with all three cardinal symptoms present: increased dyspnea, increased cough/sputum volume, and increased sputum purulence. The standard, evidence-based initial management for such an exacerbation includes three main pillars. First, dual short-acting bronchodilators (albuterol and ipratropium) are required to immediately relieve bronchospasm. Second, a short course of systemic corticosteroids (like oral prednisone) is indicated to reduce airway inflammation, improve forced expiratory volume, and shorten the recovery duration. Finally, because the patient exhibits increased sputum purulence alongside his other symptoms, empirical narrow-spectrum antibiotics directed at common respiratory pathogens (such as oral azithromycin or doxycycline) are highly indicated to treat a presumed bacterial trigger and reduce the risk of relapse.
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Anahtar Kavram
Initial outpatient management of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations requires a combination of short-acting bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, and, if specific cardinal symptoms are present, targeted antibiotics.