Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of measuring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in patients with acute asthma?
What is the purpose of measuring the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in patients with acute asthma?
- To assess the severity of life-threatening asthma
- To measure pulse oximetry
- To use as a triage tool for immediate assessment (correct)
- To determine the heart rate
In a moderate exacerbation of asthma, what percentage range of peak flow indicates this level of severity?
In a moderate exacerbation of asthma, what percentage range of peak flow indicates this level of severity?
- 75-100% best or predicted
- 25-50% best or predicted
- Above 100% best or predicted
- 50-75% best or predicted (correct)
Which vital sign indicates acute severe asthma in a patient?
Which vital sign indicates acute severe asthma in a patient?
- Peak flow above 50% best or predicted
- Ability to complete sentences in one breath
- Respiratory rate (RR) less than 25/min (correct)
- Heart rate below 110/min
What feature distinguishes life-threatening asthma from acute severe asthma?
What feature distinguishes life-threatening asthma from acute severe asthma?
Which of the following indicates a patient with life-threatening asthma?
Which of the following indicates a patient with life-threatening asthma?
Study Notes
Assessing Acute Asthma
- Measure Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and compare it to the expected value.
- PEFR serves as an immediate triage tool, except for patients with life-threatening asthma who may be too dyspneic to perform the test.
Severity of Acute Asthma
- Initial assessment is based on a combination of clinical features, peak flow measurement, and pulse oximetry.
Moderate Exacerbation of Asthma
- Symptoms of moderate exacerbation include:
- Peak flow 50–75% of best or predicted.
- No features of acute severe asthma.
Acute Severe Asthma
- Characterized by any one of the following:
- Peak flow 33–50% of best or predicted.
- Respiratory rate (RR) ≥25/min.
- Heart rate ≥110/min.
- Inability to complete sentences in one breath.
Life-Threatening Asthma
- Defined as severe asthma with any one of the following:
- Peak flow <33% of best or predicted.
- Other life-threatening symptoms.
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Description
Test your knowledge on measuring and interpreting peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in asthma patients. Learn to make an initial assessment of asthma severity using clinical features, peak flow measurement, and pulse oximetry.
