Question

A 23-year-old man presents with acute shortness of breath and wheeze at rest. PEF is 180 L/min (predicted 500). He speaks in short phrases, RR 30/min, SpO₂ 93% on air, HR 120 bpm. Which immediate treatment is essential in primary care before transfer?

Accepted Answer

Nebulised salbutamol plus ipratropium and oral prednisolone 40-50 mg

Answer

Nebulised ipratropium bromide alone

Answer

Oral prednisolone 20 mg

Answer

High-dose inhaled beclometasone

Answer

IV aminophylline

Practice question

A 23-year-old man presents with acute shortness of breath and wheeze at rest. PEF is 180 L/min (predicted 500). He speaks in short phrases, RR 30/min, SpO₂ 93% on air, HR 120 bpm. Which immediate treatment is essential in primary care before transfer?