Question

A 40-year-old man presents with acute severe asthma. PEF is 35% predicted, RR 30, SpO2 93% on air, unable to complete sentences. Initial management includes high-flow oxygen, nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium, and IV hydrocortisone. Next best step?

Accepted Answer

IV magnesium sulfate

Answer

Start oral prednisolone immediately only

Answer

Antibiotics with amoxicillin

Answer

Discharge with increased inhaled steroid

Answer

CT pulmonary angiogram

Practice question

A 40-year-old man presents with acute severe asthma. PEF is 35% predicted, RR 30, SpO2 93% on air, unable to complete sentences. Initial management includes high-flow oxygen, nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium, and IV hydrocortisone. Next best step?