Author Question: The physician orders potassium chloride (KCL) intravenous (IV) for the patient. The nurse ... (Read 137 times)

asmith134 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The physician orders potassium chloride (KCL) intravenous (IV) for the patient. The nurse administers this drug intravenous (IV) push. What will be the most likely outcome for this patient?

1. The patient will most likely experience cardiac arrest.
2. The patient will not experience adverse effects if the push was given slowly.
3. The patient will most likely experience tissue necrosis at the injection site.
4. The patient will most likely experience renal failure.

Question 2

The patient receives dextran 40 (Gentran 40). The patient experiences tachycardia, dyspnea, and a cough. What is the best evaluation by the nurse?

1. The drug caused an interaction with another drug the patient receives.
2. The patient experienced impending kidney failure.
3. The patient is allergic to the drug.
4. The drug was infused too rapidly.

aruss1303 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Potassium chloride (KCL) must never be administered intravenous (IV) push, as bolus injections can overload the heart and cause cardiac arrest. Potassium chloride must never be administered via intravenous (IV) push, even if slowly, as cardiac arrest may result. Cardiac failure, not renal failure, is the most likely outcome of administering potassium chloride intravenous (IV) push. Although tissue necrosis may occur, this is not the primary concern.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Fluid overload will be caused by a rate of infusion that is too rapid. Signs of fluid overload include tachycardia, peripheral edema, distended neck veins, dyspnea, and cough. An allergy would be manifested by urticaria. There is no information in the question that the patient is receiving another drug. The patient's symptoms do not indicate kidney failure.