How should oxygen be administered to a patient with COPD?

Oxygen should be administered to a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) carefully, starting at low flow rates. This is crucial because COPD patients often have developed a respiratory drive that relies on low oxygen levels to stimulate breathing, known as hypoxic drive. Administering oxygen at high flow rates can potentially suppress this drive, leading to respiratory acidosis and further complications.

Starting with low flow rates allows for the titration of oxygen based on the patient’s needs and response. The aim is to achieve an adequate level of oxygen saturation (typically between 88-92%) without risking the suppression of their natural respiratory mechanisms. This careful approach helps maintain oxygen levels while safeguarding the patient's respiratory function, making it the safest and most effective method for oxygen administration in these patients.