resp

Question 1

which steroids are used for asthma exacerbation?

Answer 1

• prednisolone 50mg PO OD - CONTINUE FOR 5 DAYS AFTER ATTACK
• 100mg hydrocortisone IV QDS

Question 2

what is the loading dose for xanthines (theophylline) for patients suffering form an asthma attack and not yet treated with xanthines?

Answer 2

5mg/kg given by slow intravenous injection over at least 20 minutes

Question 3

how do you give maintenance xanthines after the loading dose?

Answer 3

For the maintenance infusion 1g of aminophylline is added to 1 litre of normal saline to give a solution of 1 mg/ml.
dose: 500-700mcg/kg/hour. If elderly: 300mcg/kg/hour
plasma theophylline concentrations should be monitored

Question 4

what is the concentration of aminophylline available?

Answer 4

Aminophylline is available at a concentration of 25mg/ml.

Question 5

which drugs are contraindicated in asthma?

Answer 5

• NSAIDS
• Beta blockers
• adenosine- use verapamil instead

Question 6

which condition alongside asthma increases sensitivity to NSAIDS?

Answer 6

nasal polyps

Question 7

which drugs are given for a COPD exacerbation?

Answer 7

oxygen 24-28% 
salbutamol 5mg neb 
ipratropium 500mcg NEB 
hydrocortisone 200mh IV 
prednisolone 30mg PO 7-14 days 

theophylline
escalate

Question 8

how long do you give prednisolone for asthma exacerbation?

Answer 8

40-50mg for 5 days

Question 9

what os the VTE trophylaxis in renal impairment?

Answer 9

• unfractionated heparin 5000 units (subcutaneous)

- OR low molecular weight heparin

Question 10

wha tis the typical treatment for a DVT?

Answer 10

apixaban 10mg PO BDS

rivaroxaban 15mg PO BDS

Question 11

what do you have to remember when you give someone a salbutamol nebuliser?

Answer 11

to withhold salbutamol inhalers