When using a biphasic defibrillator, what is the typical energy dose recommended for a patient in cardiac arrest?

The recommended energy dose for a biphasic defibrillator in a patient experiencing cardiac arrest generally falls within the range of 120 to 200 joules. Biphasic defibrillators are designed to deliver electrical energy in a way that is more effective and less damaging to the heart tissue, and this energy range has been shown to achieve optimal defibrillation success rates while minimizing potential side effects.

Using this energy range allows for a balance between sufficient power to successfully depolarize the myocardium and reduce the chance of further damage to the heart. This dosage is also aligned with current resuscitation guidelines, which support starting with a dose in this specific range for initial shocks, especially in cases of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.

In practice, if a patient does not respond to the initial shock within this recommended range, subsequent shocks may also follow this guideline, sometimes with incremental increases in energy as indicated. This method has been validated by extensive clinical studies confirming its efficacy in restoring normal heart rhythm during resuscitation efforts.