Severe Copd Is Brought in Medicine / Internal Medicine — 76yo Man | Respiratory / Pulmonology | SMLE Q#18803

SMLE Question #18803

Medicine / Internal Medicine Respiratory / Pulmonology

Objective: OBJ-RESP-ACRF-001

Last updated: March 2026
A 76-year-old man with severe COPD is brought to the emergency department with severe respiratory distress, central cyanosis, and progressive drowsiness. He has copious upper-airway secretions with a weak cough. An arterial blood gas on room air shows respiratory acidaemia with hypercapnia and hypoxaemia. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

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