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Acute severe asthma — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardRespiratory TherapeuticsAcute severe asthmaGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old man with asthma is breathless and speaking in short phrases at the pharmacy. He used salbutamol six times today with little relief. His respiratory rate is 28/min and peak flow is 45% of personal best. What is the most appropriate action?

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

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Correct answer: C — Call emergency help and advise repeated salbutamol while awaiting assessment.

Speech limitation, tachypnoea and peak flow below 50% of personal best suggest a severe asthma attack. This requires urgent emergency assessment; inhaled salbutamol can be given while awaiting help. Routine review or OTC treatment would be unsafe.

Reference: NICE CKS; BNF