Acute Asthma

Question 1

What is moderate acute asthma?

Answer 1

PEFR is 50-75% of predicted

Still able to speak full sentances
HR <110
RR< 25

Question 2

What is severe acute asthma?

Answer 2

Any one of:

HR> 110
RR> 25
PEFR in the 33-50% range

Question 3

What are signs of life threatening acute asthma?

Answer 3

Grunting
Confusion, impaired consciousness
Tachy/Brady-cardic
Hypoventilating 
PEFR less than 33%
Cyanoisis
O2 sats less than 92%

Question 4

What is the biggest problem with acute asthma?

Answer 4

Patient/Family might underestimate severity of attack and ignore it

Question 5

Treatment for moderate acute asthma?

Answer 5

SABAs for 2 hours frequently
Oral prednisolone for 7 days

Look at stepped approach and up them

Question 6

Treatment for a severe attack?

Answer 6

IV MgSO4 - Magnesium Sulphate
Antibiotics for any infections
Chest drain if needed

Confirm absence of a pneumothorax with CxR

Question 7

Treatment for a mild attack in children?

Answer 7

SABA with spacer inhaler

Add prednisolone

Question 8

Treatment for a moderate attack in children?

Answer 8

SABA via nebulaiser

Question 9

Treatment for a severe attack in children?

Answer 9

IV salbutamol, aminophylline and magnesium

Hydrocortisone

Intubate and ventilate if needed

Question 10

Do the pharmacology cards

Answer 10

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