Podcast: Play in new window | Download

CAUTION: THESE NOTES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

Case Introduction

You are sitting at your computer on an otherwise quiet night when a young male is brought into your ED in obvious respiratory distress.

Initial Vitals

  • Temp 98.6
  • HR 99
  • RR 34
  • BP 105/69
  • O2 95%

Critical Actions

  • Give Albuterol + Ipratropium + Steroids
  • Obtain Chest Xray
  • Give Magnesium
  • Place patient on BiPAP
  • Give IV Beta Agonist (Epinephrine)

Final Diagnosis

Status Asthmaticus

Tips and Tricks

Frequently perform verbal reassessments on patients with the examiner (vitals, patient appearance, pain, etc)

Additional Reading