If a patient had an asthma attack what would you administer?

• A. Salbutamol inhaler
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Oxygen only
• D. Hydrocortisone tablet

Answer: (A)

When a patient has an acute asthma attack, the priority is rapid relief of bronchoconstriction with a fast-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Salbutamol inhaler delivers a quick-acting beta-2 agonist that relaxes the airway smooth muscle, opening the bronchi within minutes. In practice, administer two puffs via a spacer and repeat after a few minutes as needed, monitoring the patient closely. Oxygen therapy can be used if the patient becomes hypoxic, but it does not reverse the bronchospasm itself, so it’s supportive rather than a sole treatment. Epinephrine is reserved for severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis and isn’t the first-line treatment for an isolated asthma attack. Hydrocortisone tablets may be used as part of ongoing management in severe cases, but they do not provide immediate relief and take hours to work. If there is no improvement after repeated inhalations, seek emergency help and continue to monitor the patient.