Acute asthma management

Question 1

Name 4 features of a moderate asthma attack?

Answer 1

1. PEFR 50-75%

2, RR <25

3. PULSE <110
4. SPEECH NORMAL

Question 2

Name 4 features of a severe asthma attack?

Answer 2

1. PEFR 33-55% of best

2, RR > 25

3. PULSE > 110 bpm
4. CANT COMPLETE A FULL SENTANCE

Question 3

Name 4 features of a life threatening asthma attack?

Answer 3

1. PEFR <33%
2. Oxygen sats < 92%

3. Cyanosis
    Hypotension
    Exhustion
    Silent chest
    Tachycardia

Question 4

What does a normal CO2 in acute asthma indicate?

Answer 4

Indicats exhustion thus attack should be classed s life threatening

Question 5

Name the 6 critical steps for immediate management of asthma attack?

Answer 5

1. Oxygen 92-94%
2. Salbutamol - nebulised (every 4 hours)
3. Hydrocortisone IV or prednisolone 50 mg oral
4. Ipratropium Bromide
5. Theophylline
6. Magnesium sulphate 2g IV

Question 6

If improvement after immediate mx?

Answer 6

1. monitor spO2 92 - 94 %
2. continue prednisolone 50mg for 5 days
3. discharge when PEFR >75%

Question 7

if no improvement after immediate mx

Answer 7

admit to ICU

Question 8

What is the discharge plan?

Answer 8

1. TAME
2. 50mg of Prednisolone for 5 days
3. GP appointment in a week