A nurse is preparing to administer 40 mEq of intravenous (IV) potassium chloride (KCl) to a client with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L). Which of the following actions demonstrates the safest method for administering this parenteral therapy?
- Ensure the medication is diluted in a large volume of IV fluid and infused via an electronic pump at a maximum rate of 10 mEq per hour.Answer
- BAdminister the prescribed dose as a slow IV push over 5 to 10 minutes to rapidly correct the critical deficit.
- CInject the concentrated medication directly into the injection port of the currently infusing primary IV bag.
- DProgram the infusion pump to deliver the entire 40 mEq dose over a 30-minute period to restore electrolyte balance.
Answer
Ensure the medication is diluted in a large volume of IV fluid and infused via an electronic pump at a maximum rate of 10 mEq per hour.
Intravenous potassium chloride is a high-alert medication that must always be diluted and administered via an electronic infusion pump to prevent cardiac arrhythmias and arrest. The standard maximum safe administration rate for a peripheral line is 10 mEq per hour to prevent both cardiac toxicity and severe phlebitis at the IV site.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Intravenous Administration of Potassium Chloride
Estimated Time:1m 0s