Page 245 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

g. Kidney disease impairing reabsorption
of potassium
2. Inadequate potassium intake: Fasting; nothing by
mouth status
3. Movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid to
the intracellular fluid
a. Alkalosis
b. Hyperinsulinism
4. Dilution of serum potassium
a. Water intoxication
b. IV therapy with potassium-deficient
solutions

C. Assessment (Tables 8-2 and 8-3)

D. Interventions
1. Monitor electrolyte values.
2. Administer potassium supplements orally or
intravenously, as prescribed.

3. Oral potassium supplements

a. Oral potassium supplements may cause
nausea and vomiting and should not
be taken on an empty stomach; if the
client complains of abdominal pain,
distention, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
or gastrointestinal bleeding, the
supplement may need to be
discontinued.
b. Liquid potassium chloride has an
unpleasant taste and should be taken
with juice or another liquid.

4. Intravenously administered potassium (Box 8-

2)

5. Institute safety measures for the client

experiencing muscle weakness.

6. If the client is taking a potassium-losing

diuretic, it may be discontinued; a potassium-sparing
(retaining) diuretic may be prescribed.
7. Instruct the client about foods that are high in
potassium content (see Box 11-2).

Potassium is never administered by IV push, intramuscular, or

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