A 7-year-old boy with known asthma presents to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation. He is speaking in short phrases, RR 32 breaths/min...

Question

A 7-year-old boy with known asthma presents to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation. He is speaking in short phrases, RR 32 breaths/min, HR 130 bpm and SpO₂ 93% on room air. There is widespread wheeze and use of accessory muscles. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Give repeated doses of inhaled salbutamol via spacer and systemic corticosteroids

Answer

Obtain chest X-ray before starting treatment

Answer

Start intravenous aminophylline as first-line

Answer

Commence oral Montelukast and review in 2 hours

Answer

Discharge home with increased salbutamol use and no steroids

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Acute asthma exacerbation (child)