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Pediatric · Pediatric · ALS

Pediatric shock / hypotension

Reassess after each weight-based fluid bolus and obtain base direction for pediatric push-dose epinephrine.

OCEMS source summary · Updated 2026-09-16

Key cautions & base contact

  • Pediatric push-dose epinephrine still requires a base order; the adult PR-230 authorization change does not apply.
  • Do not automatically give fluid to a child with cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema.

Recognize and monitor

  • Assess mental status, pulses, skin signs, BP, respiratory effort, and possible hemorrhage, dehydration, infection, or cardiac disease. Monitor and document the rhythm.
  • For room-air SpO₂ below 95%, provide high-flow mask oxygen or nasal cannula/direct blow-by at 6 L/min as tolerated. Use the pediatric bradycardia pathway when indicated.

Initial resuscitation

  • Establish IV; if unresponsive and peripheral IV cannot be obtained, consider IO. Give normal saline 20 mL/kg IV/IO, maximum 250 mL per bolus, and make base contact.
  • The order allows two repeats for three total boluses. Reassess BP and perfusion after each bolus. If BP fails to improve after the first bolus, continue indicated fluids and request a base order for pediatric push-dose epinephrine.

Pediatric push-dose epinephrine

  • PR-205 requires base contact and an order before administration. Its dose is 1 mcg/kg IV/IO of the 10 mcg/mL mixture, maximum 10 mcg (1 mL), repeatable every 3 minutes as ordered.
  • If cardiogenic shock presents with pulmonary edema, PR-205 directs base contact without giving a fluid bolus. Exclusions include uncorrected hypovolemic shock and suspected stimulant intoxication.

Glucose & transport

  • At glucose 60 mg/dL or less, use oral glucose if tolerated with intact airway reflexes, D10 5 mL/kg IV (maximum 250 mL), or glucagon 0.5 mg IM when IV is unavailable. Respect the source-specific IO dextrose conditions.
  • Provide ALS escort and report the suspected cause, weight, cumulative fluids, BP response, glucose, medication dose/concentration, and base orders.