Paediatric ALS: synchronised cardioversion dose: practice question

A Anaesthesia question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Anaesthesia · Paediatric ALS: synchronised cardioversion dose

Sample item

What is the initial energy for synchronised cardioversion in a child with unstable supraventricular tachycardia?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. 0.5 to 1 J/kg

Synchronised cardioversion is started at 0.5 to 1 J/kg and increased to 2 J/kg if unsuccessful. Adenosine is tried first if vascular access is immediately available and the child is stable enough. Higher doses are used for defibrillation of VF (4 J/kg).

Option by option

  • A. 10 J/kg

    10 J/kg is excessive.

  • B. 200 J fixed

    A fixed adult dose is inappropriate.

  • C. 0.5 to 1 J/kg (correct)

    Correct. This is the recommended initial dose.

  • D. 5 J/kg

    5 J/kg is above the cardioversion range.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Anaesthesia questions

Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is C, 0.5 to 1 J/kg. Synchronised cardioversion is started at 0.

Why is "10 J/kg" not the answer?

10 J/kg is excessive.

Why is "200 J fixed" not the answer?

A fixed adult dose is inappropriate.

Why is "5 J/kg" not the answer?

5 J/kg is above the cardioversion range.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Paediatric ALS: synchronised cardioversion dose in Anaesthesia. 5 to 1 J/kg and increased to 2 J/kg if unsuccessful. Adenosine is tried first if vascular access is immediately available and the child is stable enough. Higher doses are used for defibrillation of VF (4 J/kg).

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Paediatric ALS: synchronised cardioversion dose?

Make a table of each agent, its key advantage and its main side effect. Then use the flashcards and the other Anaesthesia questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.