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Near-fatal asthma — DIPIMC MCQ

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HardResuscitationNear-fatal asthmaDIPIMCDipIMC

A known asthmatic is exhausted with a silent chest, oxygen saturations of 84 percent, a developing bradycardia and reduced consciousness.

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

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Correct answer: A — Give oxygen, back-to-back nebulised salbutamol and ipratropium, intravenous magnesium and prepare for ventilatory support.

A silent chest with exhaustion, hypoxia and a falling heart rate indicates life-threatening or near-fatal asthma, requiring high-flow oxygen, continuous bronchodilators, intravenous magnesium sulfate and preparation for assisted ventilation. Oral steroids are appropriate but do not address the immediate peri-arrest state. Oxygen is given freely in this hypoxic emergency rather than restricted.

Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines (2025)