Asthma

Question 1

Acute Severe Attack - A

Answer 1

wheeze on expiration

Question 2

Acute Severe Attack - B

Answer 2

high resp rate
low SpO2
short of breath

Question 3

Acute Severe Attack - C

Answer 3

tachycardia
hypotension
pallor

Question 4

Acute Severe Attack - D

Answer 4

alert but distressed on ACVPU
blood glucose not applicable

Question 5

Acute Severe Attack - E

Answer 5

cannot complete sentences in 1 breath
using accessory muscles to breath (tripod position)

Question 6

Life threatening attack - A

Answer 6

extreme wheeze on expiration

Question 7

Life threatening attack - B

Answer 7

low resp rate
low Sp02
shallow breathing

Question 8

Life threatening attack - C

Answer 8

bradycardia
grey in colour
hypotension

Question 9

Life threatening attack - D

Answer 9

confused due to hypoxia
drifting toward unconciousness
blood glucose not applicabel

Question 10

Life threatening attack - E

Answer 10

clammy
exhaustion
sleepy
lack of effort to move/speak
LOC

Question 11

Management of asthma attack

Answer 11

1. 2 puffs of salbutamol inhaler - 4 puffs through spacer if not possible (repeat as required)
2. 999 if no improvement after salbutamol given
3. 15L/min through oxygen NRB mask
4. repeat salbutamol every 10 mins if no improvement
5. plenty of reassurance - pt will be distressed
6. sit pt upright and lean forward - opens up accessory muscles to aid breathing