What is the appropriate dose of activated charcoal for a 20-kg child?

When determining the appropriate dose of activated charcoal for a child, the standard guideline is to administer 1 gram of activated charcoal per kilogram of body weight. For a child weighing 20 kg, this calculation would result in the following:

20 kg x 1 g/kg = 20 g

This dosage is effective because activated charcoal works by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing them from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Administering the correct amount ensures that the charcoal can adequately bind to the toxins present, helping to mitigate their effects.

Therefore, in this scenario, choosing 20 grams for a 20-kg child aligns perfectly with established protocols for activated charcoal administration in pediatric emergencies. The other choices represent dosages that do not correspond accurately to the recommended dosing guidelines and would therefore not provide the most effective treatment in this case.