A 35-year-old woman arrives as ESI 2 with a severe asthma exacerbation. BP 138/84, HR 136, RR 34, SpO2 90% on oxygen. She has minimal wheezing,

Question

A 35-year-old woman arrives as ESI 2 with a severe asthma exacerbation. BP 138/84, HR 136, RR 34, SpO2 90% on oxygen. She has minimal wheezing, accessory muscle use, and rising PaCO2 on venous blood gas. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Prepare for controlled intubation while continuing aggressive bronchodilator therapy

Answer

Order outpatient spirometry

Answer

Give oral antibiotics

Answer

Give a long-acting beta agonist as monotherapy

Answer

Discharge after one nebulizer treatment

Life-threatening asthma — ABEM Board MCQ

A 35-year-old woman arrives as ESI 2 with a severe asthma exacerbation. BP 138/84, HR 136, RR 34, SpO2 90% on oxygen. She has minimal wheezing, accessory muscle use, and rising PaCO2 on venous blood gas. Which of the following is the most important immediate intervention?