Criteria for Discharging Patient with COPD Admitted for Acute Exacerbation

Number of hours between uses of an inhaled bronchodilator

Number of hours that the patient has been clinically stable

Number hours that the patient's arterial blood gases have been stable

Was the patient ambulatory prior to admission?

Is the patient able to walk across the room?

Is the patient is able to eat and take in adequate fluids?

Is the patient is able to sleep without frequent awakenings by dyspnea?

Do the patient and/or home caregiver fully understand the correct use of medication?

Are the patient and/or home caregiver able to correctly use the prescribed medication?

Have all necessary follow-up and home care arrangements been completed?

Are the patient, family and physician confident that the patient can manage successfully after discharge?