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

  1. Intubate and place on mechanical ventilation
  2. Bronchodilator
  3. 100% non-rebreather mask
  4. 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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