Question

A 26-year-old woman with known asthma presents with acute breathlessness and wheeze. Peak expiratory flow is 45 percent of her best, respiratory rate 26 breaths per minute, pulse 112 beats per minute, oxygen saturations 95 percent on air, she can complete sentences. According to BTS/NICE asthma guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Give 10 puffs of Salbutamol 100 micrograms via spacer, repeated as needed, and consider oral Prednisolone

Answer

Give intravenous Salbutamol as first-line

Answer

Start intravenous Magnesium sulphate as first-line

Answer

Give only a single puff of Salbutamol and review in 1 hour

Answer

Withhold steroids until peak flow is below 33 percent predicted

Practice question