According to asthma severity assessment, which finding indicates a severe episode?

According to asthma severity assessment, which finding indicates a severe episode?

• A. Pupil size changes during the episode.
• B. If blood pressure rises.
• C. If there is fever.
• D. If PEF < 80% of best or lack of response to Beta2-agonist.

Answer: (D)

In asthma severity assessment, the key signal of a severe flare is how badly the airways are obstructed and how the patient responds to quick-relief treatment. A peak expiratory flow (PEF) that falls to less than 80% of the patient’s best effort indicates substantial airway obstruction. If there is a lack of response to a beta2-agonist bronchodilator, that means the airways aren’t improving with rescue therapy, which marks a severe or potentially life-threatening exacerbation. The other findings—changes in pupil size, rising blood pressure, or fever—do not specifically reflect the degree of airway obstruction or bronchodilator response and aren’t reliable indicators of asthma severity on their own.

In asthma severity assessment, the key signal of a severe flare is how badly the airways are obstructed and how the patient responds to quick-relief treatment. A peak expiratory flow (PEF) that falls to less than 80% of the patient’s best effort indicates substantial airway obstruction. If there is a lack of response to a beta2-agonist bronchodilator, that means the airways aren’t improving with rescue therapy, which marks a severe or potentially life-threatening exacerbation.

The other findings—changes in pupil size, rising blood pressure, or fever—do not specifically reflect the degree of airway obstruction or bronchodilator response and aren’t reliable indicators of asthma severity on their own.