COPD Exacerbation - What You Need to Know

The Winnipeg criteria based on the Lung Health Study from 1994 can be used to diagnose a COPD exacerbation. A patient with significant hypercarbia or aspiratory acidosis typically has a worse prognosis and may need ventilatory support sooner rather than later. While you always want to do a comprehensive physical exam, extra attention should be paid to the respiratory exam for a COPD patient. Are there any signs of respiratory distress? Is your patient drowsy? Can you see if the patient has a barrel chest?"