Figure 2.

A practical algorithm to help direct evaluation of a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presenting with symptoms consistent with an exacerbated COPD. Recommendations are on the basis of the most recent available guidelines, consensus documents, and/or original studies referenced in the manuscript. ABG = arterial blood gases; CRP = C-reactive protein; CTPA = computed tomography pulmonary angiogram; ECG = electrocardiogram; ECOPD = exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GDMT = guideline-directed medical treatment; HF = heart failure; ILDs = interstitial lung diseases; PE = pulmonary embolism; VAS = visual analog scale.