In a patient with emphysema experiencing hypercapnia, what is the recommended oxygen therapy?

In a patient with emphysema experiencing hypercapnia, what is the recommended oxygen therapy?

• A. 3-4 LPM via nasal prong
• B. 1-2 LPM via nasal prong
• C. 5-6 LPM via facial mask
• D. No supplemental oxygen required

Answer: (B)

In patients with emphysema, particularly those who are experiencing hypercapnia—a condition characterized by excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream—it is crucial to deliver oxygen therapy with caution to avoid worsening their respiratory status. The correct recommendation is typically low-flow oxygen therapy, usually administered at 1-2 liters per minute via nasal prongs. This approach is appropriate because high levels of oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to further retention of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). By providing low-flow oxygen at 1-2 liters per minute, it ensures that the patient receives adequate oxygenation without significantly altering their respiratory drive or worsening hypercapnia. Higher flow rates or delivery methods, such as using facial masks or higher liter flows, can increase the risk of CO2 retention in these patients, making the low-flow option the safest and most effective choice in managing their condition.

In patients with emphysema, particularly those who are experiencing hypercapnia—a condition characterized by excess carbon dioxide in the bloodstream—it is crucial to deliver oxygen therapy with caution to avoid worsening their respiratory status. The correct recommendation is typically low-flow oxygen therapy, usually administered at 1-2 liters per minute via nasal prongs.

This approach is appropriate because high levels of oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to further retention of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). By providing low-flow oxygen at 1-2 liters per minute, it ensures that the patient receives adequate oxygenation without significantly altering their respiratory drive or worsening hypercapnia.

Higher flow rates or delivery methods, such as using facial masks or higher liter flows, can increase the risk of CO2 retention in these patients, making the low-flow option the safest and most effective choice in managing their condition.