Problem: State this in other words: Most exacerbations of COPD are caused by respiratory tract infections. Empiric antibiotic therapy is indicated for patients who are most likely to have a bacterial infection causing exacerbation and for those who are most ill. To determine if patients should have ABX therapy, one of three cardinal symptoms that characterize an exacerbation should be present including increased dyspnea, increased sputum volume and/or viscosity, and increased sputum purulence which this patient met. Need Assignment Help?