What is the initial defibrillation energy for pulseless VFIB/VT?

Enhance your paramedic skills with the Platinum Paramedic Test. Dive into comprehensive quiz formats with detailed explanations and solutions. Prepare effectively for your certification!

Multiple Choice

What is the initial defibrillation energy for pulseless VFIB/VT?

Defibrillation energy for a shock in pulseless VF or VT depends on the type of defibrillator. Older monophasic defibrillators deliver a single, fixed high-energy shock, with 360 joules being the standard initial setting. Modern biphasic defibrillators use lower energies because the waveform is more efficient at terminating the arrhythmia, typically starting around 120–200 joules and escalating if needed. So, among the common options, 360 joules corresponds to the initial shock for a monophasic device, which is why that choice aligns with that scenario. If you’re using a biphasic unit, you’d start lower and adjust based on response.

Defibrillation energy for a shock in pulseless VF or VT depends on the type of defibrillator. Older monophasic defibrillators deliver a single, fixed high-energy shock, with 360 joules being the standard initial setting. Modern biphasic defibrillators use lower energies because the waveform is more efficient at terminating the arrhythmia, typically starting around 120–200 joules and escalating if needed. So, among the common options, 360 joules corresponds to the initial shock for a monophasic device, which is why that choice aligns with that scenario. If you’re using a biphasic unit, you’d start lower and adjust based on response.

More practice questions