Asthma (Adult) Flashcards
(23 cards)
Recite the Adult Asthma CPG
What is the initial assessment focus in asthma management?
Assess severity of distress and whether the patient’s asthma management plan has been activated.
What medication is used for mild/moderate asthma?
Salbutamol pMDI with spacer.
How many doses of salbutamol should be administered?
4–12 doses every 20 minutes until symptoms resolve.
How many breaths should be taken per dose via pMDI?
4 breaths per dose.
What should be done if there’s an adequate response to pMDI?
Continue treatment with reassessment.
What if there’s no significant response after 20 minutes?
Escalate to severe asthma management.
What nebulised medications are used for severe asthma?
• Salbutamol 10 mg (5 mL)
• Ipratropium bromide 500 mcg (2 mL).
What is the repeat dose of nebulised salbutamol if required?
5 mg (2.5 mL) every 5 minutes.
What corticosteroid should be given?
Dexamethasone 8 mg IV or oral.
What indicates an inadequate response to nebulised therapy?
• No response
• Speaking single words
• Acute life threat.
What is the IM adrenaline dose for severe asthma?
500 mcg IM (1:1000).
How often can IM adrenaline be repeated?
Every 5–10 minutes, to a max of 1.5 mg.
If IM adrenaline is ineffective and clinician is consulted, what is the IV adrenaline dose?
20 mcg IV at 2-minute intervals.
What should be done while waiting for infusion or if IV infusion is unavailable?
Administer Adrenaline 50–100 mcg IV every 2–5 minutes.
What is the adrenaline IV infusion rate?
2–15 mcg/min or 2–15 mL/hr.
When should BiPAP NIV be considered?
If no response to IM adrenaline or inadequate ventilation.
What are the starting BiPAP settings?
• IPAP 10 cmH₂O
• EPAP 5 cmH₂O
• FiO₂ 1.0.
What if the patient improves on BiPAP?
Continue BiPAP.
What if there’s no or minimal change on BiPAP?
Consult AV Medical Advisor for setting adjustment.
What should be considered if the patient deteriorates?
Consider endotracheal intubation (ETI).
What is the target oxygen saturation?
Titrate FiO₂ to 92–96% once treatment is effective.
What is the definition and pathophysiology of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterised by reversible airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and episodic symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough.
📌 Key Features:
Reversible airway obstruction
Hyperresponsive airways
Often triggered by environmental or internal factors
Responds to bronchodilators and corticosteroids
