Life-threatening asthma — DipIMC MCQ

Correct answer: A — Give high-flow oxygen, nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium, steroids and urgent transfer

Give high-flow oxygen, nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium, steroids and urgent transfer is the best answer because hypoxia, tachycardia and inability to speak indicate life-threatening asthma requiring aggressive pre-hospital treatment. Provide reassurance and reassess after transport is less appropriate because reassurance is inadequate for an evolving major trauma problem; Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled. Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination and Defer treatment until a senior hospital doctor reviews the patient are also suboptimal because they move attention away from the key pre-hospital priority.. The key DipIMC principle is to treat immediate reversible threats, communicate clearly and move the patient toward the right definitive care.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines