Question

A 40-year-old man with known asthma presents with severe breathlessness. He is unable to complete sentences, respiratory rate is 32/min, pulse 130 bpm, PEFR is 30% of predicted and oxygen saturation 90% on air. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Nebulised Salbutamol with oxygen, plus oral or IV steroids and urgent senior review

Answer

High-dose inhaled Salbutamol via spacer only

Answer

Oral Prednisolone only

Answer

Discharge with increased inhaler use

Answer

Start long-term Theophylline and review as outpatient

Practice question

A 40-year-old man with known asthma presents with severe breathlessness. He is unable to complete sentences, respiratory rate is 32/min, pulse 130 bpm, PEFR is 30% of predicted and oxygen saturation 90% on air. What is the most appropriate immediate management?