A 35-year-old man with a known history of asthma presents to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath and wheeze. His peak expiratory f...

Question

A 35-year-old man with a known history of asthma presents to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath and wheeze. His peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is 45% of his best. He has already used his salbutamol inhaler 10 times in the last 2 hours with minimal relief. What is the most appropriate next step in management according to BTS/SIGN guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Administer nebulised salbutamol 5mg and ipratropium 0.5mg

Answer

Administer oral prednisolone 40mg

Answer

Administer IV magnesium sulfate 1.2-2g

Answer

Intravenous aminophylline

Answer

Chest X-ray to exclude pneumothorax

ukmla MCQ (SBA): Acute Asthma Exacerbation