A patient with a history of COPD is admitted to the ER for 3 days of cough and increased sputum production. Breath sounds are diminished with faint end expiratory wheeze bilaterally. What should the respiratory therapist recommend?
ABG results (2 LPM Nasal Cannula)
PH: 7.33
PaCO2: 54
PaO2: 65
HCO3: 32
- Intubate and place on mechanical ventilation
- Bronchodilator
- 100% non-rebreather mask
- Non-invasive ventilation
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2. Bronchodilator
Explanations
These arterial blood gas values are acceptable for a patient with COPD with no evidence of an increased work of breathing.
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