An acute, severe prolonged asthmatic attack that is not responsive to usual treatment is referred to as which of the following?
Explanation
• Status asthmaticus is an acute, prolonged, and severe asthmatic attack that is unresponsive to usual treatment. Hospitalization is usually required.
• Asthma is a chronic, obstructive airway disease characterized by wheezing. It is caused by a spasm of the bronchial tubes or the swelling of the bronchial mucosa after exposure to various stimuli.
Incorrect options:
• Mild intermittent asthma is characterized by brief exacerbations occurring fewer than three times per week.
• Mild persistent asthma is characterized by exacerbations three or more times per week or three to four nighttime symptoms per month.
• Moderate persistent asthma is characterized by daily exacerbations and one or more nighttime exacerbations per week.
• Severe persistent asthma is characterized by continual symptoms, frequent exacerbations, and frequent nighttime symptoms.