NREMT Paramedic Practice

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Prepare for the NREMT Paramedic Exam with comprehensive quizzes that cover essential topics, including patient assessment, treatment protocols, and emergency medical care. With multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations, you'll be ready to excel in your certification test.

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What is the pediatric defibrillation dose per kg?

1 Joule per kg
2 Joules per kg
3 Joules per kg
4 Joules per kg

The correct answer is: 2 Joules per kg

The correct pediatric defibrillation dose is 2 Joules per kilogram. This dosage is based on established guidelines that recommend using a specific energy level for pediatric patients to ensure effective defibrillation without causing excessive harm or injury. In practice, this means that when a provider is faced with a pediatric patient requiring defibrillation, they calculate the appropriate energy dose by multiplying the child's weight in kilograms by 2. This recommendation is designed to optimize the likelihood of successful defibrillation, especially since children's hearts and physiology differ significantly from those of adults. Using a dose that is too low may not successfully convert a life-threatening arrhythmia, while a dose that is too high could increase the risk of adverse effects, such as myocardial damage. Therefore, administering 2 Joules per kilo strikes a balance, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing risk for pediatric patients in an emergency setting.