RQI Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Practice Test

What is the dexamethasone dose for pediatric croup?

0.3 mg/kg 0.9 mg/kg 1.0 mg/kg 0.6 mg/kg (maximum around 10 mg)

Correct Answer:

0.6 mg/kg (maximum around 10 mg)

Explanation:

In pediatric croup, a single anti-inflammatory dose of dexamethasone is standard because it reduces airway swelling and improves symptoms for about a day or two. The best choice is a single dose of 0.6 mg per kilogram of body weight, with a maximum total dose of roughly 10 mg. This dose provides effective relief while keeping the risk of side effects low, thanks to dexamethasone’s long duration of action. Routes can be oral, IV, or IM, whichever is most feasible, and the dose remains the same regardless of route. Lower doses like 0.3 mg/kg may be less reliably effective, while higher values such as 0.9 or 1.0 mg/kg exceed the typical maximum and don’t offer added benefit.

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