skip to main content

Inhaled corticosteroid counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRespiratory TherapeuticsInhaled corticosteroid counsellingGPhC CRA

A 28-year-old man with asthma collects beclometasone inhaler after using salbutamol most days for 3 weeks. He is worried because he feels better after salbutamol and does not feel the beclometasone working immediately. What would you advise the patient?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — use beclometasone regularly as preventer treatment and keep salbutamol for relief of acute symptoms

Beclometasone is a preventer inhaled corticosteroid and needs regular use to reduce airway inflammation and exacerbation risk. Salbutamol provides rapid symptom relief but frequent use signals poor control. The patient should also be counselled on inhaler technique and mouth rinsing after corticosteroid use. Stopping preventer treatment after one inhaler would risk relapse.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS: Asthma