Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

Why must oxygen use be monitored carefully in COPD patients?

1. It can lead to hypercapnia and worsened respiratory drive

2. It often causes anxiety in patients

3. It increases the risk of pneumonia

4. It may cause allergic reactions

The correct answer is: It can lead to hypercapnia and worsened respiratory drive

The careful monitoring of oxygen use in COPD patients is primarily essential because supplemental oxygen can lead to hypercapnia, which is an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood. COPD patients often have a compromised respiratory drive, particularly when their condition worsens or they experience exacerbations. In certain cases, these patients rely on hypoxic drive for respiratory stimulation; therefore, excessive oxygen can reduce their respiratory drive, causing them to retain carbon dioxide. This retention can exacerbate respiratory acidosis, resulting in further complications. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels, typically through pulse oximetry, is crucial to ensure that patients receive an appropriate amount of oxygen without risking hypoventilation or hypercapnia. Balancing adequate oxygen levels while preventing an increase in carbon dioxide is fundamental in managing these patients effectively, leading to better outcomes and reducing the potential for further respiratory distress.