A 66-year-old man in the emergency department has a history of COPD and CO₂ retention. He is conscious and cooperative but in distress, and receiving oxygen by nasal cannula at 2 L/min. He is breathing in a tripod position and using accessory muscles. His vitals are: heart rate = 102 beats/min, blood pressure = 127/77 mm Hg, temperature = 37.5°C, respiratory frequency = 20 breaths/min with prolonged expiration and using pursed lip-breathing. Bilateral sounds with crackles and wheezing. Which of the following is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is appropriate for a COPD patient in distress with CO2 retention, as it can help improve ventilation and reduce the work of breathing without the need for intubation.

A 66-Year-Old Man in the Emergency Department Has a History