COPD CASE
A 64-year-old with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) caught a cold a week ago and presents to the clinic with green sputum and increased shortness of breath. He had a fever at the beginning of the cold but does not have a fever today.
Current medications are Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) and lisinopril.
On examination, he is afebrile, with respiratory rate 18 breaths/min, heart rate 104 BPM, blood pressure 135/70 mm Hg, and SaO2 93% on room air.
Lung auscultation reveals decreased breath sounds and diffuse inspiratory and expiratory wheezes and no crackles.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is this patient’s COPD stage?
2. What is the plan of care for a patient with COPD exacerbation?
3. What education does he need?
