3: Asthma Episode Severity

Question 1

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Accessory muscles typically used.

Answer 1

Moderate Severe

Question 2

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Suprasternal retractions present.

Answer 2

• Moderate
• Severe

Question 3

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Moderate wheezing which is often end expiratory.

Answer 3

Mild

Question 4

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

HR 100-120.

Answer 4

Moderate

Question 5

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Increased respiratory rate.

Answer 5

All episodes

Question 6

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Paradoxical thoracoabdominal movement.

Answer 6

Status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest

Question 7

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Pulsus paradoxus not present and never was present.

Answer 7

Mild

Question 8

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Pulsus paradoxus may be present (10-20 mm Hg).

Answer 8

Moderate

Question 9

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

O2 is 91-95%.

Answer 9

Moderate

Question 10

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Wheezing may be absent d/t severe airway obstruction.

Answer 10

Status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest

Question 11

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Accessory muscles not used.

Answer 11

Mild

Question 12

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Pulsus paradoxus often present (20-40 mm Hg).

Answer 12

Severe

Question 13

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

RR often greater than 30.

Answer 13

Severe

Question 14

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

HR >120.

Answer 14

Severe

Question 15

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

O2 >95%.

Answer 15

Mild

Question 16

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Loud biphasic (expiratory and inspiratory) wheezing.

Answer 16

Severe

Question 17

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

HR less than 100.

Answer 17

Mild

Question 18

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Loud expiratory wheezing.

Answer 18

Moderate

Question 19

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Pulsus paradoxus may disappear, which suggests respiratory muscle fatigue.

Answer 19

Status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest

Question 20

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

O2 <91%.

Answer 20

Severe

Question 21

Is this a finding for a mild, moderate, or severe episode or status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest?

Severe hypoxemia may manifest as bradycardia.

Answer 21

Status asthmaticus with imminent respiratory arrest