Which statement about the timing of defibrillation in pediatric arrest is true?

Which statement about the timing of defibrillation in pediatric arrest is true?

• A. Defibrillation should be performed only after several minutes of CPR.
• B. Defibrillation is not used in pediatric arrests.
• C. Defibrillation should be performed promptly if the rhythm is shockable.
• D. Defibrillation energy is irrelevant.

Answer: (C)

In pediatric arrest, the key idea is that if the rhythm is shockable (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless VT), defibrillation should be delivered as soon as the rhythm is identified. A shock directly interrupts the chaotic electrical activity that keeps the heart from beating effectively, giving the heart a chance to restart with a normal rhythm. Delaying defibrillation for several minutes of CPR lowers the chances of return of spontaneous circulation and survival. After delivering the shock, you should immediately resume CPR with high quality, continuing rhythm checks at the recommended intervals. Energy matters too—use pediatric dosing (for example, 2 J/kg as the initial shock, escalating if needed) rather than treating energy as irrelevant. The statement that defibrillation isn’t used or that you must wait a long time for CPR is not correct when the rhythm is shockable.

In pediatric arrest, the key idea is that if the rhythm is shockable (like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless VT), defibrillation should be delivered as soon as the rhythm is identified. A shock directly interrupts the chaotic electrical activity that keeps the heart from beating effectively, giving the heart a chance to restart with a normal rhythm. Delaying defibrillation for several minutes of CPR lowers the chances of return of spontaneous circulation and survival. After delivering the shock, you should immediately resume CPR with high quality, continuing rhythm checks at the recommended intervals. Energy matters too—use pediatric dosing (for example, 2 J/kg as the initial shock, escalating if needed) rather than treating energy as irrelevant. The statement that defibrillation isn’t used or that you must wait a long time for CPR is not correct when the rhythm is shockable.