Electrolyte Replacement

Question 1

Potassium Chloride - Nursing Considerations

Answer 1

• Utilize electrolyte replacement protocol
  > oral admin preferred
  > follow doing & lab draw times
• Throughout admin monitor for:
  > cardiac abnormalities (tele not required)
  > vein phlebitis (if IV)

Question 2

Potassium Chloried PT Education

Answer 2

• Incr intake of high K foods
• Do NOT break, crush, or chew ER caps or enteric capsules
• Report burning sensation at IV site

Question 3

Potassium Chloride Oral Administration

Answer 3

• Do not break, crush, or chew ER caps or enteric capsules
• W/ or after meals w/ full glass water
• Dissolve effervescent tabs in 8oz cold water

Question 4

Potassium Chloride IV Administration

Answer 4

• Central line preferred
  > caustic to veins
• Admin rate:
  > 10 mEq/hr
  > slower through IVP
  > tele not required
• Monitor IV site for phlebitis
• Do not admin SQ or IM

Question 5

Fluid & Electrolytes Nursing Considerations

Answer 5

• Hx & Physical
• Monitor
  > fluid vol (overload or dehydration); HR, BP, heart, lungs
• Fluid I&O
  > should be balanced; urine 30mL/hr
• Daily weights
  > best way to determine fluid status
  > edema not apparent until 5-10lb excess fluid
  > rapid gain or loss of 1kg (2.2lb) = 1L of fluid
• Lab studies as appropriate to admin

Question 6

Lab Studies for Fluid Imbalance

H/H

Answer 6

• Incr: fluid vol deficit (dehydration)
• Dcr: fluid overload (dilution); massive blood loss

Question 7

Lab Studies for Fluid Imbalance

BUN

Answer 7

• 8-20 mg/dl
• Incr: dehydration or impaired renal func
• Dcr: fluid overload

Question 8

Lab Studies for Fluid Imbalance

creatinine

Answer 8

• 0.6-1.2 mg/dl
• Incr: renal failure

Question 9

Lab Studies for Fluid Imbalance

specific gravity

Answer 9

• 1.010-1.025
• Incr: dehydration
• Dcr: fluid overload

Question 10

Potassium Chloride

class
action
indication
route
AEs

Answer 10

• Class: Electrolyte Replacement
• Action: transmission of nerve impulses, cardiac contraction, renal func, intracellular ion maintenance
• Indication: prevention & treatment of hypokalemia
• Route: PO, IV
• AEs: hyperkalemia: N/V/D, GI cramping, bradycardia, cardiac arrest