For PALS cardioversion, what is the appropriate dose?

For PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) cardioversion, the appropriate dose for synchronized cardioversion is 0.5-1 J/kg. This range is recommended for the initial treatment of stable tachyarrhythmias in pediatric patients.

Cardioversion is a procedure that restores a normal heart rhythm by delivering a shock to the heart, and the dosing is critically important to ensure efficacy while minimizing the risk of harm. Starting at 0.5-1 J/kg allows for a safe and effective approach to manage conditions such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, which may be present in younger patients.

Higher doses beyond this initial recommendation, such as 1-2 J/kg or higher, are typically reserved for subsequent shocks if the initial attempt is not successful. Lower doses reduce the risk of complications while still providing adequate energy to restore normal rhythm in most cases. Thus, the starting dose of 0.5-1 J/kg is aligned with current PALS guidelines for pediatric cardioversion.