skip to main content

Asthma peri-arrest — DipIMC MCQ

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

HardResuscitationAsthma peri-arrestDipIMC

A 27-year-old with severe asthma is found exhausted and silent-chested. SpO2 is 84% despite oxygen, pulse is 140/min, respiratory rate has fallen from 36 to 12/min and he becomes drowsy during nebulisation. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Support ventilation and request critical care support while continuing bronchodilator therapy

A falling respiratory rate with exhaustion and reduced consciousness in asthma is pre-arrest, not improvement. Oxygen, nebulised bronchodilators, steroids, magnesium where available and ventilatory support/critical care help are appropriate. Avoiding ventilation despite respiratory failure risks hypoxic arrest.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines; Resuscitation Council UK ALS 2025