A client diagnosed with severe gastroenteritis has a confirmed serum potassium level of 2.… — NCLEX-RN

A client diagnosed with severe gastroenteritis has a confirmed serum potassium level of $2.8\text{ mEq/L}$ . The healthcare provider prescribes $20\text{ mEq}$ of intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) diluted in $250\text{ mL}$ of $0.9\%$ sodium chloride. Which action is essential for the nurse to implement for safe administration?

A
Set the infusion rate to deliver the total volume over thirty minutes to quickly resolve the critical electrolyte imbalance.
Program an electronic infusion pump to deliver the medication over a minimum of two hours.Answer
C
Delegate the hourly assessment of the peripheral intravenous insertion site for phlebitis to the unlicensed assistive personnel.
D
Connect the medication as a secondary line to an ongoing pantoprazole infusion without verifying drug compatibility.

Answer

Program an electronic infusion pump to deliver the medication over a minimum of two hours.

Intravenous potassium chloride is a high-alert medication that must always be administered via an electronic infusion pump to prevent rapid infusion, which can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. The maximum safe infusion rate through a peripheral line is typically

10\text{ mEq/hr}

. Therefore, a

20\text{ mEq}

dose must be infused over a minimum of two hours.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the medication and its safety profile.

Potassium chloride is recognized as a high-alert medication that can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias if administered too rapidly.

Recognizing high-alert medications is essential for determining the appropriate safety protocols and preventing patient harm.

Determine the maximum safe infusion rate for the medication.

The maximum recommended intravenous infusion rate for potassium chloride through a peripheral line is

10\text{ mEq/hr}

Adhering to the maximum safe rate prevents medication toxicity and adverse cardiac events.

Calculate the minimum safe infusion time for the prescribed dose.

The prescribed dose of

20\text{ mEq}

divided by the maximum rate of

10\text{ mEq/hr}

equals a minimum infusion time of

2\text{ hours}

Mathematical verification of the infusion duration ensures the rate does not exceed evidence-based safety guidelines.

Select the safest administration method.

The medication must be administered using an electronic infusion pump over at least two hours.

Electronic infusion pumps provide precise control over the delivery rate, preventing accidental rapid infusion that could occur with gravity administration.

Key Concept

Safe Intravenous Administration of Potassium Chloride

Question

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Key Concept

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