For patients with COPD, what is the recommended FiO2 level?

For patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it is critical to provide oxygen therapy cautiously to manage their hypoxemia without suppressing their respiratory drive, particularly in patients who rely on hypoxic drive for their breathing. The recommended FiO2 level for COPD patients typically ranges from 24% to 28%.

This range is effective in achieving adequate oxygen saturation while minimizing the risk of hypercapnia and subsequent respiratory acidosis that can occur with excessive oxygen administration. Delivering an FiO2 in this range helps to maintain target oxygen saturation levels, usually between 88% and 92%, which is considered safe for these patients.

Using higher FiO2 levels could lead to over-oxygenation and potentially worsen respiratory function, particularly since COPD patients often have an impaired ability to exhale carbon dioxide. Thus, the choice of 24% to 28% appropriately balances the need for supplemental oxygen with the risk of adverse effects, making it the most suitable option for this patient population.