KCL, an electrolyte replacement to correct hypokalemia, is a high-alert drug that is never administered by the IV push, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. The recommended peripheral infusion rate is 5-10 mEq/hr. However, the nurse should always follow institution IV guidelines and policy and procedure for administering KCL. The nurse's priority action is to slow the infusion rate if the client feels a burning discomfort at the IV site shortly after initiation of the infusion. KCL irritates the vein, and irritation and discomfort at the site is expected. Slowing the infusion rate is effective in alleviating discomfort.
(Option 1) KCL in concentrations 20-40 mEq/100 mL at a maximum rate of 40 mEq/hr should be administered through a central venous access device (CVAD) (eg, PICC, centrally inserted catheter) to prevent postinfusion phlebitis. A concentration of 10 mEq KCL/100 mL can be administered through a peripheral vein at the recommended infusion rate.
(Option 2) The IV infusion is preferred over the oral preparation to decrease the risk for dysrhythmias when hypokalemia must be corrected quickly. Some clients may need both oral and IV forms if the serum potassium levels are markedly low. However, this action is not a priority.
(Option 4) Rapid correction of this client's hypokalemia (2.8 mEq/L) is necessary due to risk for hypokalemia-associated dysrhythmias. Stopping the infusion when not necessary further increases risk. The nurse assesses the site at least every hour for adverse reactions (eg, redness, pain, swelling, phlebitis, thrombosis, extravasation or infiltration), and stops the infusion if any occur.
KCL, an electrolyte replacement to correct hypokalemia, is a high-alert drug that is never administered by the IV push, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. The recommended peripheral infusion rate is 5-10 mEq/hr. However, the nurse should always follow institution IV guidelines and policy and procedure for administering KCL. The nurse's priority action is to slow the infusion rate if the client feels a burning discomfort at the IV site shortly after initiation of the infusion. KCL irritates the vein, and irritation and discomfort at the site is expected. Slowing the infusion rate is effective in alleviating discomfort.
(Option 1) KCL in concentrations 20-40 mEq/100 mL at a maximum rate of 40 mEq/hr should be administered through a central venous access device (CVAD) (eg, PICC, centrally inserted catheter) to prevent postinfusion phlebitis. A concentration of 10 mEq KCL/100 mL can be administered through a peripheral vein at the recommended infusion rate.
(Option 2) The IV infusion is preferred over the oral preparation to decrease the risk for dysrhythmias when hypokalemia must be corrected quickly. Some clients may need both oral and IV forms if the serum potassium levels are markedly low. However, this action is not a priority.
(Option 4) Rapid correction of this client's hypokalemia (2.8 mEq/L) is necessary due to risk for hypokalemia-associated dysrhythmias. Stopping the infusion when not necessary further increases risk. The nurse assesses the site at least every hour for adverse reactions (eg, redness, pain, swelling, phlebitis, thrombosis, extravasation or infiltration), and stops the infusion if any occur.
