Which symptom pattern and common triggers support an asthma exacerbation?

Increasing wheeze or breathlessness, often nocturnal or early-morning; infection, allergy, cold and exertion commonly trigger.

Which airway changes limit expiration during an asthma exacerbation?

Inflammation, smooth-muscle constriction and excess mucus narrow bronchi, particularly limiting expiration.

Which findings independently classify an adult asthma attack as acute severe?

Any one: PEF 33-50%, sentence inability, respiratory rate >=25 or heart rate >=110.

Why can wheeze become faint or absent in life-threatening asthma?

Minimal airflow through critically narrowed airways can make wheeze faint or absent.

How should PEF be interpreted during an acute adult asthma assessment?

Use percentage of recent personal best; use predicted values only when best is unavailable.

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Asthma and Respiratory Assessment

Recognition, assessment and initial care principles for acute asthma and respiratory deterioration.

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Q1 Which symptom pattern and common triggers support an asthma exacerbation?: Hint: Consider symptom variability, timing and recognised triggers.; A Increasing wheeze or breathlessness, often nocturnal or early-morning; infection, allergy, cold and exertion commonly trigger.
Q2 Which airway changes limit expiration during an asthma exacerbation?: Hint: Consider muscle, mucosa and secretions.; A Inflammation, smooth-muscle constriction and excess mucus narrow bronchi, particularly limiting expiration.
Q3 Which findings independently classify an adult asthma attack as acute severe?: Hint: One PEF, speech, pulse or respiratory-rate criterion is sufficient.; A Any one: PEF 33-50%, sentence inability, respiratory rate >=25 or heart rate >=110.
Q4 Why can wheeze become faint or absent in life-threatening asthma?: Hint: Wheeze requires airflow to create sound.; A Minimal airflow through critically narrowed airways can make wheeze faint or absent.
Q5 How should PEF be interpreted during an acute adult asthma assessment?: Hint: A raw reading needs an appropriate reference value.; A Use percentage of recent personal best; use predicted values only when best is unavailable.

About this deck

Asthma and Respiratory Assessment is a 12-card flashcard deck covering clinical for paramedic clinical revision. Recognition, assessment and initial care principles for acute asthma and respiratory deterioration.

This deck is part of the official SnapMedic flashcard library, written and maintained by working UK paramedics for student paramedics, newly qualified paramedics (NQPs), and experienced clinicians. All cards work offline once downloaded and use spaced repetition to move information into long-term memory.

Last updated 13 August 2026.

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