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Home X: Manage eXacerbations X3. Refer appropriately to prevent further deterioration (‘P’) X3.5 Develop post-discharge plan and follow-up

X3.5 Develop post-discharge plan and follow-up

The aim is to relieve hypoxaemia and obtain improvement in clinical signs and symptoms.

  • Clinical examination: Reduction in wheeze, accessory muscle use, respiratory rate, distress.
  • Gas exchange: Arterial blood gas levels and/or pulse oximetry levels should be monitored until the patient’s condition is stable (SpO2 88%–92%).
  • Respiratory function testing: FEV1 should be recorded in all patients after recovery from an acute exacer­bation.
  • Discharge planning: Discharge planning should be commenced within 24–48 hours of admission.
 

COPD-X Plan - Version 2.32 - June 2012