A 35-year-old woman with a history of asthma presents to the emergency department with severe dyspnea, wheezing, and chest tightness. She is unable to speak in full sentences and is tachypneic with a respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min. Accessory muscle use is evident. Her oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. After supplemental oxygen, which of the following is the most appropriate initial pharmacologic intervention?
✓ Correct Answer: Option B
For an acute asthma exacerbation, especially severe, high-dose inhaled short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol delivered via nebulizer are the first-line and most critical intervention to induce bronchodilation and relieve symptoms. Systemic corticosteroids should also be given but SABA is immediate.