A 68-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation, presenting with increased dyspnea, sputum production, and wheezing. She requires oxygen via nasal cannula to maintain SpO2 > 90%. What treatment has been shown to reduce mortality and hospital readmissions in severe COPD exacerbations?

The correct answer to the question "A 68-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation, presenting with increased dyspnea, sputum production, and wheezing. She requires oxygen via nasal cannula to maintain SpO2 > 90%. What treatment has been shown to reduce mortality and hospital readmissions in severe COPD exacerbations?" is Option C: Systemic corticosteroids.

The other options — A) Inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) only, B) Oral azithromycin for 5 days, D) High-dose inhaled corticosteroids — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) are crucial in the management of acute COPD exacerbations severe enough to require hospitalization. They reduce inflammation, improve lung function, shorte…