ACLS: defibrillation energy: 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.

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Anaesthesia · ACLS: defibrillation energy

Sample item

What energy is used for the initial biphasic defibrillation shock in an adult in ventricular fibrillation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. 120 to 200 J, or the manufacturer's recommended dose

A biphasic defibrillator is set to 120 to 200 J, with the same or higher energy for subsequent shocks. Monophasic devices use 360 J.

Option by option

  • A. 10 J

    10 J is too low and is not effective.

  • B. 500 J

    500 J exceeds device ranges.

  • C. 50 J

    50 J is below the recommended range.

  • D. 120 to 200 J, or the manufacturer's recommended dose (correct)

    Correct. 120 to 200 J biphasic is the recommendation.

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.

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Questions about this Anaesthesia question

What is the answer to this Anaesthesia question?

The best answer is D, 120 to 200 J, or the manufacturer's recommended dose. A biphasic defibrillator is set to 120 to 200 J, with the same or higher energy for subsequent shocks.

Why is "10 J" not the answer?

10 J is too low and is not effective.

Why is "500 J" not the answer?

500 J exceeds device ranges.

Why is "50 J" not the answer?

50 J is below the recommended range.

What concept does this question test?

It tests ACLS: defibrillation energy in Anaesthesia. Monophasic devices use 360 J.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 ACLS: defibrillation energy?

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.