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Multiple Choice

What is the energy setting for the first defibrillation shock in an adult with a shockable rhythm according to the material?

For an adult with a shockable rhythm, the first defibrillation shock is delivered at about 200 joules. This energy level reflects modern biphasic defibrillators, which use lower energies to achieve effective myocardial depolarization while reducing tissue damage. Lower energies (like 50 or 100 J) are usually not sufficient to terminate the rhythm, and higher energies (such as 360 J) were more common with older monophasic devices. If the first shock doesn’t terminate the rhythm, subsequent shocks are escalated according to the device guidelines, often up to the maximum recommended energy.

For an adult with a shockable rhythm, the first defibrillation shock is delivered at about 200 joules. This energy level reflects modern biphasic defibrillators, which use lower energies to achieve effective myocardial depolarization while reducing tissue damage. Lower energies (like 50 or 100 J) are usually not sufficient to terminate the rhythm, and higher energies (such as 360 J) were more common with older monophasic devices. If the first shock doesn’t terminate the rhythm, subsequent shocks are escalated according to the device guidelines, often up to the maximum recommended energy.