Random Viva Practice

Question 1

What classifies an asthma exacerbation as moderate?

Answer 1

Moderate exacerbation of asthma:

• Increase in symptoms
• PEFR 50-70% predicted

Question 2

What classifies an asthma exacerbation as acute severe?

Answer 2

Acute severe exacerbation of asthma:

• PEFR 33-50% of predicted
• RR >25/min
• HR >110bpm
• Unable to speak in full sentences

Question 3

What classifies an asthma exacerbation as life threatening?

Answer 3

Life threatening asthma exacerbation:

• PEFR <33% predicted
• Altered conscious level/ exhaustion/ tiring
• Normocapnia
• Hypoxia (SpO2 <92%/ PaO2 <8kPa)
• Silent chest
• Hypotension/arrhythmia