🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 70-year-old male with a history of severe COPD presents with acute worsening dyspnea, increased cough, and purulent sputum. He is hypoxic on room air (SpO2 88%). ABG shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mmHg, PaO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L. Which intervention is most appropriate at this time?

A Administer intravenous furosemide.
B Initiate non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).
C Increase supplemental oxygen to achieve SpO2 >95%.
D Administer inhaled ipratropium alone.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The patient's ABG results (pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mmHg) indicate acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in the setting of a severe COPD exacerbation. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is the most appropriate intervention to improve ventilation and reduce work of breathing.

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