Which statement about Etomidate dosing is true?

Which statement about Etomidate dosing is true?

• A. Adult IV/IO dose ranges from 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg
• B. Pediatric dose is fixed at 0.5 mg/kg
• C. It is administered intranasally only
• D. Dosing is contraindicated in hypotension

Answer: (A)

Etomidate is used for rapid induction because it tends to preserve cardiovascular stability, so the dosing is focused on achieving a quick, smooth onset without dropping blood pressure. For adults, the usual IV or IO induction dose sits around 0.3 mg/kg, and many protocols allow a practical range from about 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg to tailor to the patient’s size and condition. This range reflects how clinicians dose the drug to balance rapid hypnosis with safety. Pediatric dosing isn’t a fixed 0.5 mg/kg; it’s typically similar to adults or slightly adjusted (often around 0.2–0.3 mg/kg, depending on the protocol and patient factors). Etomidate isn’t given intranasally in standard practice for induction. And dosing isn’t contraindicated in hypotension; it’s chosen in part for its relatively stable hemodynamics, though clinicians remain mindful of other effects like potential adrenal suppression with repeated dosing.

Etomidate is used for rapid induction because it tends to preserve cardiovascular stability, so the dosing is focused on achieving a quick, smooth onset without dropping blood pressure. For adults, the usual IV or IO induction dose sits around 0.3 mg/kg, and many protocols allow a practical range from about 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg to tailor to the patient’s size and condition. This range reflects how clinicians dose the drug to balance rapid hypnosis with safety.

Pediatric dosing isn’t a fixed 0.5 mg/kg; it’s typically similar to adults or slightly adjusted (often around 0.2–0.3 mg/kg, depending on the protocol and patient factors). Etomidate isn’t given intranasally in standard practice for induction. And dosing isn’t contraindicated in hypotension; it’s chosen in part for its relatively stable hemodynamics, though clinicians remain mindful of other effects like potential adrenal suppression with repeated dosing.