Question

A 22-year-old woman with known asthma presents with wheeze and dyspnoea after a viral illness. PEFR is 55% of personal best, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 95% on room air, she can speak in sentences. What is the most appropriate initial treatment in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Repeated doses of inhaled salbutamol via spacer and systemic oral corticosteroids

Answer

Nebulised adrenaline

Answer

IV magnesium sulfate as first-line therapy

Answer

Immediate intubation and ventilation

Answer

Oral antibiotics for presumed infection

Practice question

A 22-year-old woman with known asthma presents with wheeze and dyspnoea after a viral illness. PEFR is 55% of personal best, RR 22 breaths/min, SpO2 95% on room air, she can speak in sentences. What is the most appropriate initial treatment in the emergency department?