Page 260 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

■ Potassium is never given by intravenous (IV) push or by the intramuscular or
subcutaneous route.
■ A dilution of no more than 1 mEq/10 mL (1 mmol/10 mL) of solution is
recommended.
■ Many health care agencies supply prepared IV solutions containing potassium;
before administering and frequently during infusion of the IV solution, rotate
and invert the bag to ensure that the potassium is distributed evenly
throughout the IV solution.
■ Ensure that the IV bag containing potassium is properly labeled.
■ The maximum recommended infusion rate is 5 to 10 mEq/hr (5 to 10 mmol/hr),
never to exceed 20 mEq/hr (20 mmol/hr) under any circumstances.
■ A client receiving more than 10 mEq/hr (10 mmol/hr) should be placed on a
cardiac monitor and monitored for cardiac changes, and the infusion should be
controlled by an infusion device.
■ Potassium infusion can cause phlebitis; therefore, the nurse should assess the IV
site frequently for signs of phlebitis or infiltration. If either occurs, the infusion
should be stopped immediately.
■ The nurse should assess renal function before administering potassium and
monitor intake and output during administration.

Table 8-4

Assessment Findings: Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia

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