acute asthma

Question 1

characterised by

Answer 1

rapid deterioration in symptoms

could be triggered by any of the typical asthma triggers e.g. infection, cold weather

Question 2

presentation

Answer 2

• worsening SOB
• use accessory muscles
• tachypnoeic
• expiratory wheeze

Question 3

Grading acute asthma: Moderate

Answer 3

PEFR 50-75% expected

Question 4

Grading acute asthma: Severe

Answer 4

PEFR 33-50%
RR > 25
HR > 110
unable to complete sentences

Question 5

Grading acute asthma: Life threatening

Answer 5

PEFR < 33% 
Sats < 92% 
become tired
silent chest 
haemodynamic instability
confused

Question 6

Management: Moderate

Answer 6

nebulised b2-agnoists
nebulised ipratropium bromide
steroids: oral pred or IV hydrocortisone
antix if evidence bacterial

Question 7

Management: severe

Answer 7

O2
aminophylline infusion
consider IV salbutamol

Question 8

Management: Life threatening

Answer 8

IV magnesium sulphate
HDU/ICU
intubation

Question 9

Monitoring response to treatment

Answer 9

RR 
resp effort
peak flow 
O2 sats 
chest auscultation

Question 10

what needs to be monitored when on salbutamol

Answer 10

serum potassium - causes potassium to be absorbed from blood into cells

HR - causes tachycardia