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Paediatric asthma — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesPaediatric asthmaDipIMC

A 10-year-old with asthma is too breathless to speak full sentences. Oxygen saturation is 89%, pulse 140/min and there is widespread wheeze. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Give high-flow oxygen and nebulised bronchodilators while arranging urgent transfer

Give high-flow oxygen and nebulised bronchodilators while arranging urgent transfer is the best answer because hypoxic severe paediatric asthma needs oxygen, inhaled bronchodilators and hospital assessment. Immobilise every joint and delay departure for a detailed examination is less appropriate because prolonged packaging can delay definitive care; Give unrestricted crystalloid to normalise blood pressure is less appropriate because over-resuscitation can worsen bleeding when haemorrhage is uncontrolled. Provide reassurance and reassess after transport 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; BTS/SIGN Asthma guidance