SAQ Stack

Short Answer Questions for ED Fellowship Study

Case: Severe asthma and NIV

A 28-year-old man is brought in by ambulance with acute respiratory distress. History of poorly controlled asthma with repeated ICU admissions. Vitals: HR 125 BP 100/60 RR 40 SpO2 94% on 15 L/min NRB.

1. What examination findings would you seek to assess severe vs life threatening asthma? 4 marks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The patient has features of severe asthma. You commence nebulised and IV bronchodilators, IV steroids and a MgSO4 infusion.

2. List four advantages and four disadvantages of non-invasive ventilation in management of acute severe asthma. 8 marks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Despite optimal medical management, the patient continues to deteriorate

3. List four indications for intubation. 4 marks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

You successfully intubate the patient but shortly atierwards they arrest

4. What are four potentially reversible causes of arrest post-intubation in severe asthma and how would you address each? 4 marks

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SAQ Home

This case forms part of a collaborative marking project designed to support fellowship preparation. In the week leading up to each tutorial, you can contribute answers to any active case. If you contribute, your answers may be reviewed, marked, and used to refine the model answers during the weekly fellowship teaching sessions.

All responses are displayed anonymously or using anonymised avatars. You remain in full control of your answers and may withdraw them at any time.

Your personal results and updated model answers become available the day after the tutorial.

After the tutorial you can still do the case and self-mark your answers, but your answers will not be included in the group review.