Question

A 26-year-old man with asthma presents extremely breathless. He is unable to complete sentences, RR 38/min, pulse 135 bpm, SpO2 88% on air, PEFR is 25% of predicted, and his chest is quiet on auscultation. What is the severity classification of his attack?

Accepted Answer

Life-threatening asthma

Answer

Mild asthma exacerbation

Answer

Moderate asthma exacerbation

Answer

Acute severe asthma

Answer

Near-fatal asthma (requiring mechanical ventilation)

Practice question

A 26-year-old man with asthma presents extremely breathless. He is unable to complete sentences, RR 38/min, pulse 135 bpm, SpO2 88% on air, PEFR is 25% of predicted, and his chest is quiet on auscultation. What is the severity classification of his attack?