[Fan Favorite] COPD Exacerbation

NP Certification Q&A

As we step away for a holiday break, we’re excited to revisit some of the most popular episodes of the FNP Certification Q & A Podcast. These listener favorites have informed, inspired, and empowered aspiring NPs on their journey to certification success. Enjoy some of our favorites. We'll catch you in 2025 with fresh questions from Dr. Fitzgerald!
A 72-year-old woman with severe COPD, who uses an inhaled LAMA/ LAMA daily on a set schedule and SABA via MDI as needed for symptom relief, presents with a 4-day history of URI symptoms, starting with sore throat and clear nasal discharge, without fever. She denies N, V, or other GI upset. She now reports a 2-day history of increasing shortness of breath and production of clear to white sputum. SaO2= 97% and she is no acute distress. In considering the diagnosis of COPD exacerbation, which of the following best describes the role of imaging in the evaluation of COPD exacerbation?
A. A chest x-ray should be ordered in COPD exacerbation in the patient with fever and/or low SaO2 to help rule out concomitant pneumonia.
B. A chest x-ray should be ordered routinely in the evaluation of a person with COPD exacerbation.
C. Given the frequency of COPD exacerbations that typically occur in a person with COPD, chest x-ray use should be limited due to radiation exposure risk.
D. A thoracic ultrasound is the preferred imaging study to order in a COPD exacerbation.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3LrB-m6Q7g&list=PLf0PFEPBXfq592b5zCthlxSNIEM-H-EtD&index=101

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