NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyMedium
A 5-year-old child weighs 44 lbs (20 kg) and is experiencing a severe allergic reaction. The EMT needs to administer epinephrine via auto-injector. What is the appropriate dose for this child?
- A0.15 mg IM
- B0.3 mg IM
- C1.0 mg IM
- D0.5 mg IM
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 0.15 mg IM
For pediatric patients experiencing anaphylaxis, the standard dose of epinephrine administered via auto-injector is 0.15 mg intramuscularly (IM) for children weighing less than approximately 66 lbs (30 kg). A 44 lbs (20 kg) child falls into this category.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 0.3 mg IM is the standard adult dose of epinephrine.
- C. 1.0 mg IM is an excessive dose for a pediatric auto-injector and could be harmful.
- D. 0.5 mg IM is an incorrect dose for a pediatric auto-injector.
Pediatric Epinephrine Dosing (Anaphylaxis)
The recommended dose of epinephrine for managing severe allergic reactions in pediatric patients, typically based on weight.
- Standard pediatric dose: 0.15 mg IM
- Used for children generally weighing < 30 kg (66 lbs)
- Administered via auto-injector into the lateral thigh
Memory trick: Kids get 1.5, like a mini-adult dose!