Question 1

What is first-line treatment for an acute asthma exacerbation?

Accepted Answer

First-line treatment commonly includes short-acting bronchodilator therapy, oxygen to maintain appropriate saturation, systemic corticosteroids, and reassessment with objective measures such as PEFR.

Question 2

What does rising PaCO2 mean in acute asthma?

Accepted Answer

During acute asthma, patients typically hyperventilate and have low or normal PaCO2. A rising PaCO2 toward normal or above indicates respiratory muscle fatigue and impending respiratory failure.

Question 3

What PEFR zones should I know?

Accepted Answer

Green zone is 80 to 100 percent of personal best. Yellow zone is 50 to 79 percent. Red zone is below 50 percent and indicates an emergency requiring immediate action.

Asthma CSE Practice Scenarios | RRT Clinical Simulation Exam Prep