Virtual assessment of acute COPD exacerbation
| Assessment a | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Count the respiratory rate | A rate > 30 breaths/minute indicates increased work of breathing |
| If possible, note increased activity of accessory muscles | Increased accessory muscle activity indicates ongoing respiratory distress |
| Assess mentation and look for flapping tremors (asterixis) | Changes in mentation and presence of asterixis suggest ongoing acute respiratory failure |
↵a There is no clear guidance on the assessment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through a virtual visit. This table is to help clinical assessment through virtual visits and is drawn from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease recommendations for assessment of exacerbation of COPD for hospitalized patients.
Based on information in reference 7.