Author Question: IV potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe hypokalemia. ... (Read 43 times)

DelorasTo · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

IV potassium chloride (KCl) 60 mEq is prescribed for treatment of a patient with severe hypokalemia. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Administer the KCl as a rapid IV bolus.
b. Infuse the KCl at a rate of 10 mEq/hour.
c. Only give the KCl through a central venous line.
d. Discontinue cardiac monitoring during the infusion.

Question 2

A newly admitted patient is diagnosed with hyponatremia. When making room assignments, the charge nurse should take which action?

a. Assign the patient to a room near the nurse's station.
b. Place the patient in a room nearest to the water fountain.
c. Place the patient on telemetry to monitor for peaked T waves.
d. Assign the patient to a semi-private room and place an order for a low-salt diet.

javimendoza7 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
IV KCl is administered at a maximal rate of 10 mEq/hr. Rapid IV infusion of KCl can cause cardiac arrest. Although the preferred concentration for KCl is no more than 40 mEq/L, concentrations up to 80 mEq/L may be used for some patients. KCl can cause inflammation of peripheral veins, but it can be administered by this route. Cardiac monitoring should be continued while patient is receiving potassium because of the risk for dysrhythmias.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient should be placed near the nurse's station if confused in order for the staff to closely monitor the patient. To help improve serum sodium levels, water intake is restricted. Therefore a confused patient should not be placed near a water fountain. Peaked T waves are a sign of hyperkalemia, not hyponatremia. A confused patient could be distracting and disruptive for another patient in a semiprivate room. This patient needs sodium replacement, not restriction.