A patient with known asthma develops wheezing and shortness of breath during treatment. The patient is conscious, with no hives, swelling or hypotension. What is the most appropriate drug to administer?
- Correct answer
Inhaled salbutamol (albuterol)
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Intramuscular epinephrine
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Sublingual nitroglycerin
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Oral diphenhydramine
This question is one of 15 in AFK practice: Pharmacology, local anesthesia and emergencies. Test yourself on all of them.
Practice quiz FlashcardsExplanations
An acute asthma episode is first managed with a short-acting beta-2 agonist such as salbutamol, with the patient sitting upright. Intramuscular epinephrine is reserved for anaphylaxis or bronchospasm that does not respond to the bronchodilator.
Source: Malamed, Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office — oneguy
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