AEMCA Practice Exam

How much epinephrine should be given to a 10 kg patient that is 9 months old for croup?

1. 1.5 mg

2. 2.0 mg

3. 2.5 mg

4. 3.0 mg

The correct answer is: 2.5 mg

For a 10 kg child experiencing croup, the appropriate dose of epinephrine is typically calculated based on the weight of the patient. The standard dosing of nebulized epinephrine for croup is generally around 0.5 mL of a 1:1000 solution (which contains 1 mg/mL) for a total of 2.5 mg for a child weighing 10 kg. This dosage helps to reduce edema in the airway and alleviate symptoms associated with croup, such as stridor and respiratory distress. Choosing the correct dose is crucial to provide effective treatment while ensuring safety. Using the 1:1000 concentration ensures that the child receives a potent dose of epinephrine that is both effective and within the recommended guidelines for their weight. Thus, providing 2.5 mg of epinephrine aligns with established clinical practice for managing croup in pediatric patients of this size.