indications for abg in copd exacerbation?

[bulldog]

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any article on when to do abg for copd exacerbation? I've usually just base it on clinical exam. if the patient only needs a few liters of O2, or O2sats > 90% on RA, not tachypnic, etc. i'll just treat them w/ cetriaxone/zpack, albuterol/atrovent, prn and send them out the next day. however, i've seen some who insist on doing abg for every copder..which i think is uncessary.

 

[Blade28]

Where are you seeing this patient? ER? Clinic? As an inpatient?