Medical Emergencies

Question 1

Signs and Symptoms (S&S) of Acute Severe Asthma (3)

Answer 1

Inability to complete sentences in 1 breath.
Respiratory rate > 25 per min.
Tachycardia HR > 110 per min.

Question 2

S&S of Life Threatening Asthma (3)

Answer 2

Cyanosis or respiratory rate < 8 per min.
Bradycardia HR < 50 per min.
Exhaustion, confusion, decreased conscious level.

Question 3

Treatment of Acute Severe/Life Threatening Asthma (4)

Answer 3

Oxygen 10-15L/min.
Salbutamol inhaler 4-6 activations via spacer device (or nebuliser).
If part of anaphylactic reaction or signs of life threatening asthma are present than an IM injection of adrenaline (500mcg) should be given.
999/2222

Question 4

S&S of Anaphylaxis (4)

Answer 4

Airway; swelling, hoarsenss, stridor.
Breathing; increase RR, wheeze, fatigue, cyanosis, SpO2 < 92% and confusion.
Circulation; pale, clammy, low BP, faintness and drowsy/coma.
Usually skin changes; urticaria (pale red, raised, itchy bumps), erythema (superficial reddening of skin) and angioedema.

Question 5

Treatment of Anaphylaxis (6)

Answer 5

999/2222
Lie flat & raise legs.
O2 10-15L/min.
Life threatening ABCs –> adrenaline 500mcg (0.5ml) IM -can repeat at 5 min intervals if no improvement.
Salbutamol inhaler for wheeze (Nebulised Beta-agonist)
In hospital situations; fluids, antihistamine drugs & steroids.