Moderate

A patient has a serum potassium level of 3.0 mmol/L and is prescribed intravenous potassium chloride. Which nursing action is safe?

Correct answer: B. Infuse it diluted using a controlled pump

  • A. Administer it by rapid intravenous push
  • B. Infuse it diluted using a controlled pump
  • C. Give it undiluted through a small peripheral vein
  • D. Stop cardiac monitoring during the infusion

Explanation

Intravenous potassium must be diluted and infused at a controlled rate, with appropriate monitoring, because rapid administration can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. Potassium chloride is never given by intravenous push.

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About Nutrition, Fluids and Electrolytes

Coverage includes nutrients and balanced diets, therapeutic feeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, intake and output, dehydration, fluid overload and fluid balance calculations. Questions also examine sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride disturbances, their signs and nursing care, while distinguishing enteral feeding through the gastrointestinal tract from parenteral nutrition.

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