COPD — what to watch
Oxygen target 88 to 92 %. Too much oxygen worsens CO2 retention: drowsiness, flapping tremor, headache, then respiratory acidosis. A saturation of 97 % on high-flow oxygen is a warning, not reassurance. Exacerbation: increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume, purulent sputum. Teaching: pursed-lip breathing, tripod position, energy conservation, inhaler technique with a spacer, smoking cessation, annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, action plan.