Monitoring
Patients experiencing an acute exacerbation of COPD should be followed closely to ensure continued improvement and resolution of the associated signs and symptoms. When possible, persons hospitalized with COPD exacerbation should be seen by a healthcare provider within 30 days of hospital discharge.[274] Clinicians should consider the potential need for adjustment of each patient's medication regimen for COPD, as patients experiencing an acute exacerbation occasionally do not return rapidly to their baseline level of health. Efforts should be made to ensure patients are educated regarding adherence with their medication regimens and that they have received appropriate vaccinations (e.g., influenza, pneumococcus). Annual low-dose CT scan is recommended for lung cancer screening in patients with COPD due to smoking, according to recommendations from the GOLD guideline and the US Preventive Services Task Force.[1] [275]
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