What is one of the risks associated with oxygen therapy in COPD patients?

In patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), one of the primary concerns associated with oxygen therapy is CO2 retention. This phenomenon occurs due to the alteration of the patient’s respiratory drive. In individuals with COPD, the drive to breathe is often influenced more by low oxygen levels than by elevated carbon dioxide levels, a situation known as hypoxic drive.

When providing supplemental oxygen to a COPD patient, the oxygen saturation levels can rise significantly, which may reduce their instinct to breathe. If oxygen levels increase too much, it can lead to a situation where the body may struggle to expel carbon dioxide effectively, causing levels of CO2 in the blood to rise, also known as hypercapnia. This can exacerbate respiratory acidosis and lead to symptoms such as confusion, drowsiness, and an increased respiratory effort.

The other options do not directly relate to the well-documented risks associated with oxygen therapy in the context of COPD. Increased appetite is not typically influenced by oxygen therapy, dehydration is not a common risk directly related to oxygen supplementation, and fluid overload generally pertains to heart or renal issues rather than being a direct consequence of oxygen therapy in COPD patients.