In COPD exacerbation, what is the priority nursing goal?

• A. Maintain airway and adequate oxygenation
• B. Prevent infection
• C. Manage anxiety
• D. Improve mobility and tolerance

Answer: (D)

In a COPD exacerbation, the priority is maintaining airway patency and adequate oxygenation because the immediate danger is impaired gas exchange. When the airways are inflamed and filled with mucus, breathing becomes labored and hypoxemia can develop quickly, leading to respiratory distress or failure. The most urgent nursing actions center on assessing resp status, ensuring the airway remains clear, and optimizing oxygen delivery—monitoring oxygen saturation, delivering prescribed supplemental oxygen to keep SpO2 in the target range, and administering bronchodilators or other therapies as ordered. Positioning to maximize ventilation, promoting rest to reduce work of breathing, and preparing for possible escalation to noninvasive ventilation or advanced airway support are key steps if the crisis worsens. While improving mobility and tolerance is important for overall recovery, it is secondary to preserving effective gas exchange during an acute flare.