Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is the recommended pediatric dose of Calcium Chloride?

1. 10 mg/kg

2. 20 mg/kg

3. 30 mg/kg

4. 40 mg/kg

The correct answer is: 20 mg/kg

The recommended pediatric dose of Calcium Chloride is 20 mg/kg. This dosage is based on guidelines established for administering Calcium Chloride in emergencies, particularly when treating conditions like hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, or in cardiac arrest situations. The physiological reasoning behind this dosing is centered around the need to maintain adequate calcium levels in the body, which are essential for muscle function, including cardiac muscle contractions, and for various metabolic processes. In pediatrics, dosing is critical as children metabolize and respond to medications differently than adults. The specific recommendation of 20 mg/kg is designed to provide an effective therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of adverse effects associated with higher concentrations of calcium, such as peripheral venous irritation or potentially toxic systemic effects. This careful balance is key in pediatric emergency medicine, where proper dosing is critical for safe and effective treatment.