Treatment protocols for acute asthma, before and after initial audit
| Before 1st audit | After 1st audit |
|---|---|
| Initial dosage of salbutamol 2.5 mg for adults and 1.25 mg in children between the ages of 1 and 5 | Initial dosage of salbutamol 5 mg for adults and children over the age of 5, and 2.5 mg for children under 5 |
| If patient already taken 5 mg nebulised salbutamol before arrival of ambulance, could have no more | Unlimited, based on presenting clinical symptoms |
| Second dose of 2.5 mg for those over 5 could be given en route to hospital if the patient was still in respiratory distress | Unlimited, based on presenting clinical symptoms |
| Administration of salbutamol to patients with a known history of asthma who present with either an acute asthma attack or status asthmaticus | Previous history of asthma was no longer required. Administration based on the presence of clinical signs—audible wheeze, bronchospasm |
| Pulse rate, respiratory rate, and peak expiratory flow rate to be recorded before and after administration of nebulised salbutamol | No change |