Question

Dominic, a 68-year-old male with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is being investigated for the eligibility of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Which of the following complications of COPD are used as criteria to assess eligibility for LTOT?

A) Frequent exacerbations
B) Mild dyspnea during exercise
C) Asymptomatic hypoxemia
D) Occasional coughing

Answer 1

To assess eligibility for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in COPD patients, frequent exacerbations and asymptomatic hypoxemia are used as criteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is a treatment for patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have low levels of oxygen in their blood. The criteria to assess eligibility for LTOT in COPD patients include:

1. Frequent exacerbations: COPD patients who experience frequent exacerbations, which are episodes of worsening symptoms, may be eligible for LTOT. Frequent exacerbations can indicate more severe disease and a higher need for oxygen therapy.
2. Asymptomatic hypoxemia: COPD patients who have low levels of oxygen in their blood but do not show symptoms of hypoxemia may still be eligible for LTOT. Asymptomatic hypoxemia refers to low oxygen levels in the blood without any associated symptoms.

Therefore, options A) and C) are used as criteria to assess eligibility for LTOT in COPD patients.