Key SAQ asthma/COPD

Question 1

4 causes of acute SOB

Answer 1

Asthma
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism
Pneumothorax

Question 2

Pathophysiology of asthma

Answer 2

• Chronic inflammatory airway disease
• Smooth muscle of the bronchi are hypersensitive = bronchoconstrction and increased mucus production.
• Leading to airway obstruction.

Question 3

Signs of severe acute asthma attack

Answer 3

PEFR <33%
O2 <92%
Confusion
Bradycardia
Cyanosis
Silent chest
pO2 <8

Question 4

Principles of management of acute asthma

Answer 4

Admit
High flow oxygen
Nebulised salbutamol
Steroids
Nebulised ipratropium
Contact sneior support and ITU if indicated

Question 5

Non pharmacological advice to prevent relapses

Answer 5

1. Check inhaler technique and medication compliance
2. Avoidance pof triggers
3. Encourage exercise to increase lung capacity

Question 6

Define atopy

Answer 6

Group of disorders that often run in families, caused by an IgE related hypersensitivity reaction.

Question 7

Stepwise management of asthma in adult

Answer 7

1. SABA
2. SABA + low dose ICS
3. SABA + ICS + LTRA
4. SABA + ICS + LABA (+/- LTRA)
5. SABA + Low dose MART (+/-LTRA)
6. SABA + mod dose MART (+/- LTRA)

Question 8

Stepwise management of ineffective exacerbation of COPD

Answer 8

1. Oxygen therapy carefully titrated to seriel ABGs
2. Nebulised salbutamol
3. Oral prednisolone
4. Back to back nebulised salbutamol / ipratropium bromide
5. Excalation to senior / IT contact
6. Consideration of NIV (BiPAP).