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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A patient was admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His PO2 was 55 and PCO2 was 65. A new resident orders 54% oxygen via the venturi mask. One hour later, after the oxygen was placed, the nurse finds the patient with no respiration or pulse. She calls for a Code Blue and begins cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Explain why the patient stopped breathing.
                                                                 
Fri, 8 Dec 2017
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
COPD patients are maintaining their central respiratory drive through hypoxia (low oxygen level).
So hypoxia is actually beneficial in COPD patients in maintaining normal respiration.
So when COPD patients get high flow oxygen (54%), their central respiratory drive abolishes and hence patient stop respiration.
So never give high flow oxygen in COPD patients because it actually causes more harm to the patient.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your patient. Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. COPD patients are maintaining their central respiratory drive through hypoxia (low oxygen level). So hypoxia is actually beneficial in COPD patients in maintaining normal respiration. So when COPD patients get high flow oxygen (54%), their central respiratory drive abolishes and hence patient stop respiration. So never give high flow oxygen in COPD patients because it actually causes more harm to the patient. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your patient. Thanks.