PEBC MCQ Asthma, COPD & Smoking Cessation question: Canadian Thoracic Society criteria

PEBC MCQAsthma, COPD & Smoking Cessation

Four adults with asthma report their symptoms over the past week at a pharmacy review. Which finding indicates that the asthma is NOT well controlled according to the Canadian Thoracic Society criteria?

a. Peak flow at 92% of personal best on today's reading
b. Waking at night with asthma symptoms twice in the past week
c. Daytime symptoms on two separate days during the past week
d. Using a reliever inhaler twice in the past week

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: b. Waking at night with asthma symptoms twice in the past week

CTS control criteria include daytime symptoms on 2 or fewer days a week, night symptoms less than once a week, reliever use on 2 or fewer days a week, normal physical activity, no absences, mild and infrequent exacerbations, and FEV1 or PEF at 90% or more of personal best. Night waking twice a week exceeds the 'less than once a week' criterion, while the other findings are within the controlled range. Source: Canadian Thoracic Society asthma guideline 2021 update, asthma control criteria (Can J Respir Crit Care Sleep Med 2021;5:348); Lougheed MD et al. CTS 2012 asthma guideline (Can Respir J 2012;19:127).

Common mistake

Misremembering the thresholds for night symptoms versus daytime symptoms.

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