A 25-year-old woman with known asthma presents with severe breathlessness, cannot speak full sentences, has a respiratory rate of 36 breaths/min, sile...

Question

A 25-year-old woman with known asthma presents with severe breathlessness, cannot speak full sentences, has a respiratory rate of 36 breaths/min, silent chest, oxygen saturation 88% on room air and rising CO₂ on blood gas despite maximal nebulised bronchodilators and IV steroids. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in ICU

Answer

Discharge home with oral steroids

Answer

Continue nebulisers only for several more hours

Answer

Start non-invasive ventilation on the ward

Answer

Give only benzodiazepines to calm the patient

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Status asthmaticus ventilatory support