Asked by atilola akeem on May 13, 2024
Verified
The nurse works on the cardiac unit of a hospital.The health care provider has ordered 20 mEq of KCl per L to be added to the fluids that the patient is receiving.The patient currently has a bag of D?W IV fluid infusing.Which action is most appropriate?
A) Administer 20 mEq KCl diluted in 5 mL of fluid by IV push in 5 minutes.
B) Estimate the amount of fluid in the IV bag and add KCl to equal 20 mEq/L.
C) Give the KCl undiluted by IV push in 5 minutes for the most rapid action.
D) Check the patient's potassium level before hanging the new IV solution.
KCl
Potassium chloride, a chemical compound used in medicine to treat potassium deficiency and in various industrial applications.
Cardiac Unit
A specialized hospital department focused on the care of patients with heart conditions.
Potassium Level
A measure of the concentration of potassium in the blood, vital for nerve function, muscle control, and heart rhythm.
- Understand the procedures for administering IV fluids and monitoring IV sites.
Verified Answer
DM
Demetria McNeillMay 19, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
Remember that failure to verify that a patient has adequate renal function and urine output before administering an IV solution containing potassium could cause hyperkalemia.Under no circumstances should KCl be given in an IV push.A direct IV infusion of KCl may be fatal.Intravenous administration of KCl requires dilution in solution and infusion slowly over a period of time.In most hospitals,nurses do not add KCl to IV bags.Usually a pharmacist prepares the solution.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the procedures for administering IV fluids and monitoring IV sites.