What drug is usually given first in the emergency treatment of an ...

[rl]

What drug is usually given first in the emergency treatment of an acute, severe asthma episode in a young child?
 
  a. Ephedrine
  b. Theophylline
  c. Aminophylline
  d. Short-acting 2-agonists

Question 2

A child with asthma is having pulmonary function tests. What rationale explains the purpose of the peak expiratory flow rate?
 
  a. To assess severity of asthma
  b. To determine cause of asthma
  c. To identify triggers of asthma
  d. To confirm diagnosis of asthma

[spencer.martell]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Short-acting 2-agonists are the first treatment in an acute asthma exacerbation. Ephedrine and aminophylline are not helpful in acute asthma exacerbations. Theophylline is unnecessary for treating asthma exacerbations.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Peak expiratory flow rate monitoring is used to monitor the child's current pulmonary function. It can be used to manage exacerbations and for daily long-term management. The cause of asthma is known. Asthma is caused by a complex interaction among inflammatory cells, mediators, and the cells and tissues present in the airways. The triggers of asthma are determined through history taking and immunologic and other testing. The diagnosis of asthma is made through clinical manifestations, history, physical examination, and laboratory testing.

[rl]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[patma1981]

TYSM