Respiratory

Question 1

causes of acute asthma exacerbations in children

Answer 1

exposure to allergens

Question 2

clinical features of acute asthma exacerbations

Answer 2

fast-onset breathlessness
wheeze
chest tightness

Question 3

signs of acute severe asthma exacerbation

Answer 3

use of accessory muscles 
unable to complete a sentence 
respiratory rate >30
tachycardia (>125bpm)
PEF 33-50%

Question 4

signs of life-threatening asthma attack

Answer 4

PEF < 33%
O2 < 92%
exhaustion 
confusion 
silent chest 
hypotension
poor respiratory effort

Question 5

management of acute asthma exacerbations

Answer 5

high flow O2
inhaled SABA
nebulised SABA
+ nebulised ipratropium bromide

if O2 < 92% - + magnesium sulphate

oral or IV steroids
IV salbutamol
aminophylline if life-threatening

Question 6

define transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN)

Answer 6

parenchymal lung disorder characterised by pulmonary oedema due to delayed resorption and clearance of foetal alveolar fluid

Question 7

common aetiology of TTN

Answer 7

occurs after C-section due to delayed resorption of lung fluid

Question 8

diagnosis of TTN

Answer 8

hyperinflation of lungs
fluid level in horizontal fissure on CXR
grunting on the infant
tachypnoea

Question 9

management of TTN

Answer 9

supportive O2