In the pediatric asthma bronchospasm (1st bundle), what is the albuterol dose?

• A. 1.25 mg
• B. 5 mg
• C. 0.5 mg
• D. 2.5 mg

Answer: (D)

In pediatric acute bronchospasm, the rescue dose of albuterol given by nebulization is 2.5 mg per dose. This fixed per-dose amount is chosen because it reliably provides rapid bronchodilation across a wide range of weights and ages while keeping the risk of side effects like tachycardia and tremor manageable. Many protocols administer this 2.5 mg dose every 20 minutes for up to three doses, adjusting based on how the child responds. Weight-based dosing exists (about 0.15 mg/kg per dose) but is typically capped at 2.5 mg per treatment to avoid excessive dosing in larger children. The other options are not standard per-dose amounts for initial pediatric rescue therapy: 0.5 mg is too small, 1.25 mg is not the usual fixed dose for initial treatment, and 5 mg per dose is higher than commonly used in children.