Asthma

Question 1

Normal or high PaCO2 in a patient with an acute asthma exacerbation is suggestive of :

Answer 1

Impending respiratory failure

Question 2

What to do for a patient with suspected asthma with a normal FEV1/FVC?

Answer 2

Methacholine challenge test to provoke bronchoconstriction

Question 3

What is the best test to differentiate asthma from COPD?

Answer 3

Spirometry before and after an inhaled bronchodilator: ↑ FEV1 by > 12% after bronchodilator is diagnostic for asthma

Question 4

What is the treatment for an acute, severe asthma exacerbation?

Answer 4

SABA + SAMA + corticosteroids + supplemental O2

Question 5

Treatment of
- Asthma Intermittent =
- Mild persistent =
- Moderate persistent =
- Severe persistent =

Answer 5

• Asthma Intermittent = SABA
• Mild persistent = SABA + ICS
• Moderate persistent = SABA + ICS + LABA
• Severe persistent = SABA + ICS + LABA ± oral corticosteroids

Question 6

What asthma severity is characterized by SABA use ≤ 2 days a week with ≤ 2 nighttime awakenings a month?

Answer 6

Intermittent asthma

Question 7

What is the likely diagnosis in a patient with anosmia, bronchospasm and nasal congestion following aspirin ingestion?

Answer 7

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD)

Question 8

Clinical signs of pulmonary hyperinflation secondary to severe asthma exacerbation (3):

Answer 8

• Decreased breath sounds
• Hyperresonant percussion
• Decreased tactile fremitus

Question 9

How do residual volume, FRC, and total lung capacity change with obstructive lung disease (e.g. COPD, asthma)?

Answer 9

Increase

Question 10

What asthma severity is characterized by SABA use > 2 days a week (not daily) with 3 - 4 nighttime awakenings a month?

Answer 10

Mild persistent asthma