Author Question: A piggyback of potassium chloride, 15 mEq in 250 mL of 0.9 saline, is prescribed to be infused over ... (Read 31 times)

Arii_bell · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

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

akemokai · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
A baseline EKG is warranted to detect any changes in cardiac rhythm, because potassium affects the myocardium.
Securing the cannula is important but not the most important consideration.
Intake and output are less important over 24 hours than ensuring that the patient is voiding.
Ice packs would not be indicated in this situation. Additionally, warm packs would be used if the development of thrombophlebitis was a concern.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The pharmacy should send the dose in 50 mL of NS, to be infused over 1 hour on an IV pump. Furosemide is never administered as an IV push or bolus, because the risk of cardiovascular damage is too great.
Furosemide may be given orally but would take longer to be effective.