A piggyback of potassium chloride, 15 mEq in 250 mL of 0.9 saline, is prescribed to be infused over 1 hour to treat a patient's hypokalemia. What intervention should the nurse use prior to the start of the infusion?
a. Assess the IV cannula site to make sure the cannula is secure.
b. Obtain an EKG monitor to monitor the heart rhythm during the infusion.
c. Review the previous 24-hour intake and output.
d. Prepare an ice pack to place over the IV site to prevent thrombophlebitis.
Question 2
A patient is admitted to the unit with extreme fatigue and a history of fluid overload, for which the patient takes furosemide (Lasix).
A prescriber orders 10 mEq of potassium chloride intravenously for an adult patient with a potassium level of 3 mEq/L. A nurse anticipates that the pharmacy will prepare the medication so that the nurse can administer it by what means?
a. In 50 mL of NS infused over 1 hour using an intravenous pump
b. As a rapid IV push because of the patient's dangerously low potassium level
c. Slowly as a bolus IV push over 10 minutes
d. Orally, because giving potassium intravenously is too dangerous