For a 6-year-old, 20-kg child with pulseless ventricular tachycardia, what energy level is recommended for initial defibrillation?

For a 6-year-old, 20-kg child with pulseless ventricular tachycardia, what energy level is recommended for initial defibrillation?

• A. 20 joules (J)
• B. 40 joules (J)
• C. 60 joules (J)
• D. 80 joules (J)

Answer: (B)

In pediatric defibrillation, the energy is chosen based on the child’s weight, with the initial shock given at 2 joules per kilogram. This dose balances effectiveness with safety. For a 20-kg child, that initial energy is 40 joules, which is why 40 J is the best choice. If the rhythm remains unstable after the first shock, subsequent shocks are typically delivered at 4 J/kg (about 80 J for this child). The other options represent energies that are either too low for an initial pediatric shock or correspond to higher doses used after the first attempt.

In pediatric defibrillation, the energy is chosen based on the child’s weight, with the initial shock given at 2 joules per kilogram. This dose balances effectiveness with safety. For a 20-kg child, that initial energy is 40 joules, which is why 40 J is the best choice. If the rhythm remains unstable after the first shock, subsequent shocks are typically delivered at 4 J/kg (about 80 J for this child). The other options represent energies that are either too low for an initial pediatric shock or correspond to higher doses used after the first attempt.