Pediatric Respiratory Practice Test

Which therapy is used as the rescue medication for asthma?

Inhaled corticosteroids daily. Daily low-dose inhaled corticosteroids. Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) for rescue. Leukotriene receptor antagonists.

Correct Answer:

Short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) for rescue.

Explanation:

Rescue medication is all about rapidly reversing acute airway constriction. Short-acting beta-agonists provide quick bronchodilation within minutes, relaxing airway smooth muscle and opening the airways during an asthma flare or after exercise. That immediate relief is what makes them the go-to rescue therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids, whether daily or low-dose, are controllers: they reduce airway inflammation and prevent symptoms, but they don’t act quickly enough to relieve an acute episode. Leukotriene receptor antagonists are another controller option used for ongoing management, not for rapid relief. So the best answer is the short-acting beta-agonist used as needed for rescue.

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