What is the appropriate management for a known asthmatic with an acute attack in flight?

What is the appropriate management for a known asthmatic with an acute attack in flight?

• A. Administer a short-acting bronchodilator, provide supplemental oxygen, monitor, and evacu for definitive care
• B. Delay treatment until symptoms worsen
• C. Administer antibiotics and fluids only
• D. Withhold oxygen to avoid hypercapnia

Answer: (A)

Prompt bronchodilation and oxygenation with ongoing monitoring, plus evacuation for definitive care, is the appropriate approach. For a known asthmatic in flight, start with a rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator to quickly relieve bronchospasm. Provide supplemental oxygen to correct cabin-related or disease-related hypoxemia, and monitor the patient closely to gauge response and detect any signs of deterioration. Arrange evacuation for definitive care if symptoms persist or worsen, so additional therapies and assessment can be provided at a higher level of care. Delaying treatment, giving antibiotics and fluids only, or withholding oxygen to avoid hypercapnia are not appropriate. Oxygen should be given to treat hypoxemia, even if there’s concern about carbon dioxide retention, because preventing hypoxemia takes priority and asthma-related hypercapnia is not the immediate concern.

Prompt bronchodilation and oxygenation with ongoing monitoring, plus evacuation for definitive care, is the appropriate approach. For a known asthmatic in flight, start with a rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilator to quickly relieve bronchospasm. Provide supplemental oxygen to correct cabin-related or disease-related hypoxemia, and monitor the patient closely to gauge response and detect any signs of deterioration. Arrange evacuation for definitive care if symptoms persist or worsen, so additional therapies and assessment can be provided at a higher level of care.

Delaying treatment, giving antibiotics and fluids only, or withholding oxygen to avoid hypercapnia are not appropriate. Oxygen should be given to treat hypoxemia, even if there’s concern about carbon dioxide retention, because preventing hypoxemia takes priority and asthma-related hypercapnia is not the immediate concern.