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em@3am

EM@3AM: Acute COPD Exacerbation

A 58-year-old male presents with severe shortness of breath, productive cough, and decreased ability to ambulate at home. He has COPD and is on oxygen at home. Several days ago he noted worsening congestion, myalgias, and cough. He is now severely short of breath and unable to complete his activities of daily living. He is hypoxemic and tachypneic. You hear decreased air movement bilaterally and distal wheezes. What's the next step in your evaluation and treatment?