Question

A 7-year-old boy with known asthma presents to the emergency department with moderate exacerbation triggered by a viral infection. He is speaking in phrases, has oxygen saturation 94% on room air and a PEFR 65% of personal best. Which acute management strategy is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Repeated inhaled salbutamol via spacer and a short course of oral prednisone

Answer

Single dose of IV hydrocortisone; no inhaled bronchodilators

Answer

Nebulised adrenaline as first-line therapy

Answer

Start a long-acting beta agonist inhaler in the ED

Answer

Discharge without treatment as this is a mild exacerbation

Practice question

A 7-year-old boy with known asthma presents to the emergency department with moderate exacerbation triggered by a viral infection. He is speaking in phrases, has oxygen saturation 94% on room air and a PEFR 65% of personal best. Which acute management strategy is most appropriate?