Which treatment combination is standard for an acute severe asthma attack in the emergency department?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Inhaled short-acting beta agonist with ipratropium plus a corticosteroid
- Step 1: Acute severe asthma needs fast bronchodilation and treatment of airway inflammation. Step 2. Short-acting beta agonists, an anticholinergic and early steroids do both. Answer: Short-acting beta agonist, ipratropium and a systemic corticosteroid. Why not the others: Long-acting agents act too slowly for rescue. Antibiotics are not routine. Asthma is not caused by fluid overload.
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