Zibrak et al developed criteria for prioritizing respiratory therapy for hospitalized patients. This can help identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive respiratory therapy.
The priority level corresponds to risk of pulmonary complications.
Parameter
High Priority
Intermediate Priority
Low Priority
age
>= 50 years
< 50 years
smoking history
smoker > 40 pack years
smoker <= 40 pack years
nonsmoker
history of pulmonary disease
COPD, other
none
surgery
thorax or upper abdomen
major surgery
body weight
morbid obesity
pulmonary symptoms
acute broncho-spasm; productive cough
abnormal chest X-ray
normal
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