A member asked:

Would all patients admitted with copd exacerbation get abgs drawn up?

5 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

They should: But I have seen numerous occasions when abgs were not obtained.

Answered 3/13/2013

6.1k views

Thank
Dr. Sue Ferranti answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Depends...: It depends on the severity of symptoms. An abg is needed if it is not clear if the person needs additional help breathing, like mechanical ventilation or non-invasive ventilation. If the person is clinically stable, an abg may not be needed.

Answered 3/26/2013

5.9k views

Thank

Interesting question: If you ask me, most if not all such patients should get abgs. Physicians practice differently though and not all do this. There are no hard guidelines and standard of care for that as far as I am aware, unless the patient is in respiratory failure/intubated where abgs guide the management.

Answered 6/2/2015

5.5k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What is life expectancy of a patient who has copd?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

What are the appropriate anesthetics to patients copd?

7 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

A member asked:

What are the minimum oxygen requirements for COPD patients?

6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

A member asked:

Do doctors refer patients with COPD to the gym for exercise?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

What are some precautions that COPD patients should be taking?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers