A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe asthma. He is speaking in single words, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, heart rate...

Question

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe asthma. He is speaking in single words, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, heart rate 120 beats/min, oxygen saturation 89% on room air and widespread wheeze. What is the MOST appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium bromide with systemic corticosteroids and oxygen

Answer

Oral prednisolone alone and discharge with close follow-up

Answer

Intravenous beta blocker to control tachycardia

Answer

Start long-acting beta₂ agonist inhaler

Answer

Withhold oxygen until arterial blood gas is available

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Acute severe asthma

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department with severe asthma. He is speaking in single words, respiratory rate 32 breaths/min, heart rate 120 beats/min, oxygen saturation 89% on room air and widespread wheeze. What is the MOST appropriate immediate management?