Question

A 6-year-old boy presents with acute wheeze and shortness of breath. He has difficulty speaking in sentences, respiratory rate 32/min, SpO2 93% in air, and audible wheeze. According to the Australian Asthma Handbook, what is the most appropriate initial treatment in the emergency department?

Accepted Answer

Inhaled short-acting beta agonist (SABA) via spacer plus systemic corticosteroid

Answer

Oral prednisolone only

Answer

Nebulised adrenaline as first-line

Answer

IV magnesium sulphate as first-line

Answer

No treatment; observe only

Practice question

A 6-year-old boy presents with acute wheeze and shortness of breath. He has difficulty speaking in sentences, respiratory rate 32/min, SpO2 93% in air, and audible wheeze. According to the Australian Asthma Handbook, what is the most appropriate initial treatment in the emergency department?