Question

A 63 year old patient diagnosed with COPD has a CAT (COPD Assessment Test) score of 6 and has not had any severe exacerbations in the last year, placing them in treatment Group A. Which medications might this patient be on?

Answer 1

A 63-year-old patient with COPD in Group A may be prescribed short-acting bronchodilators like albuterol or ipratropium to manage symptoms and prevent disease progression.

Step-by-step explanation:

A 63-year-old patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score of 6 falls into treatment Group A, indicating a lower risk category without frequent exacerbations. Since this patient has not experienced any severe exacerbations in the past year, treatment would likely focus on symptom management and prevention of disease progression. Recommended medications for Group A patients typically include short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol (a short-acting beta agonist, or SABA) or ipratropium (a short-acting anticholinergic). These medications are inhaled and work by relaxing the muscles of the airways, opening them up to make breathing easier.