Acute Asthma Flashcards
1
Q
What factors should be considered in the assessment of acute severe asthma?
A
- ability to speak
- heart rate
- respiratory rate
- PEF
- oxygen saturation/arterial blood gases
2
Q
What is the biggest problem with acute asthma
A
Patient/family might underestimate severity of attack and ignore it
3
Q
State the conditions of moderate acute asthma
A
- PEFR is 50-75% of predicted
- still able to speak full sentences
- HR <110
- RR <25
4
Q
Describe the treatment for moderate acute asthma
A
- SABAs for 2 hours frequently
- oral prednisolone for 7 days
5
Q
State the medication that could be used to treat severe asthma
A
- IV Salbutamol
- IV aminophylline
- IV magnesium
- IV hydrocortisone
- Intubate and ventilate
5
Q
State the conditions of severe acute asthma
A
Any one of:
- HR >110
- RR >25
- PEFR in the 33-50% range
6
Q
Describe the signs of life threatening asthma
A
- grunting
- impaired consciousness, confusion
- exhaustion
- HR>130
- Hypoventilating
- PEF <33%
- Cyanosis
- SaO2 < 92%
- PaO2 < 8kPa
- PaCO2 normal
7
Q
In what form should steroids be given as an acute treatment?
A
Orally
8
Q
Describe the treatment for a mild attack in children
A
- SABA with spacer inhaler
- add prednisolone
9
Q
Describe treatment for a moderate attack in children
A
SABA via nebuliser
10
Q
Describe treatment for a severe attack in children
A
- IV salbutamol
- IV aminophylline
- IV magnesium
- Hydrocortisone
- Intubate and ventilate if needed
