Is routine administration of diuretics to patients with COPD warranted?
Diuretics may pose particular risks for patients with COPD and should be prescribed with caution. • What are some signs and symptoms of an acute exacerbation of COPD? Signs and symptoms of an acute exacerbation of COPD include delirium, lethargy, change from baseline (in breath sound, cognitive status, sputum color, sputum production), and increase from baseline (in anxiety, heart rate, respiratory rate, shortness of breath, and wheezing). • What are some considerations in determining whether the patient with an acute exacerbation of COPD should be hospitalized? Factors, such as a persistent respiratory rate above 28 beats/minute with labored respirations, and failure to respond to initial medical management, may help to determine whether hospitalization is appropriate.
