skip to main content

Acute severe asthma — GPhC CRA MCQ

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

HardRespiratory TherapeuticsAcute severe asthmaGPhC CRA

A 45-year-old man presents with wheeze and tight chest while collecting his repeat inhalers. He is using accessory muscles, respiratory rate is 30/min, pulse is 124/min and SpO2 is 91% on air. He has used salbutamol repeatedly this morning with little relief. What is the most appropriate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Call 999 and help him use salbutamol while awaiting emergency care

The observations and poor response to reliever treatment indicate a severe asthma attack requiring urgent emergency assessment. Community pharmacy management should prioritise calling 999, maintaining safety and supporting reliever use as appropriate. This is beyond self-care or routine review.

Reference: https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/registration-assessment#stage-8-order-97