Which CPR/AED guideline should be followed for an 11-year-old patient showing signs of puberty?

For an 11-year-old patient showing signs of puberty, the appropriate guidelines to follow are the adult guidelines. This is due to several physiological and developmental factors that come into play around the onset of puberty.

As children transition into puberty, their bodies begin to resemble those of adults in terms of size, anatomy, and overall physiology. Consequently, this transition also aligns with the CPR recommendations. The Adult CPR guidelines are specifically tailored for individuals who have reached a stage in their development where they have significant physical similarities to adults, including increased body mass and strength, which impacts how CPR is administered.

Moreover, the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is often more effective in this age group when following adult guidelines, as they typically incorporate higher energy levels for defibrillation that are more suited for the physiological characteristics of an older child or adolescent.

By following the adult guidelines, you ensure the application of techniques and equipment that are more appropriate for a patient who is nearing full physiological maturity, rather than those tailored for younger children or infants, which would not accommodate the changes associated with puberty.