A 2-year-old child requires rapid sequence intubation. The recommended intravenous dose of succinylcholine is:

• A 4 mg/kg
• B 2 mg/kg ✓
• C 1 mg/kg
• D 0.5 mg/kg

Explanation

In children, the intravenous dose of succinylcholine is 2 mg/kg, higher than the adult dose of 1 mg/kg, due to a larger volume of distribution. This dose provides rapid and excellent intubating conditions. The 1 mg/kg distractor is the standard adult dose and may produce suboptimal laryngeal relaxation in a child. The 4 mg/kg dose is excessive and risks bradycardia or prolonged block.

Reference: A Practice of Anesthesia for Infants and Children, 6th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.