When administering potassium chloride, which of following safety precautions must be observed? (Select all that apply)
Never give KCL intramuscularly (IM) or as an IV bolus
Always dilute potassium chloride in a large amount of IV solution
Never administer more than 40 mEq/L of IV potassium chloride (KCL) per hour
Monitor the IV site frequently for early signs of infiltration, as potassium is caustic to the tissues.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
A. Never give KCI intramuscularly (IM) or as an IV bolus: Potassium chloride (KCl) should never be administered via IM injection or as an IV bolus. Both methods can cause severe irritation, tissue necrosis, and cardiac complications. Potassium should be given slowly and diluted to prevent these risks.
B. Always dilute potassium chloride in a large amount of IV solution: Potassium chloride must always be diluted when administered IV to prevent vein irritation and reduce the risk of hyperkalemia. It should be given in a large volume of fluid to ensure safe, slow infusion.
C. Never administer more than 40 mEq/L of IV potassium chloride (KCl) per hour: While the general recommendation is to limit the infusion rate to 10-20 mEq/hour for most patients, in certain situations, doses higher than 40 mEq/L per hour might be prescribed under close monitoring depending on the specific clinical situation.
D. Monitor the IV site frequently for early signs of infiltration, as potassium is caustic to the tissues: Potassium chloride is irritating to veins and tissues. If the IV infiltrates (leaks into the surrounding tissue), it can cause significant tissue damage, so frequent monitoring of the IV site is essential.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis: Oxycodone, an opioid, can depress the respiratory system, leading to hypoventilation. Reduced breathing leads to the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, causing respiratory acidosis, characterized by low pH due to increased CO2 levels.
B. Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of acid or a loss of bicarbonate in the body. It is not directly associated with opioid overdose, which primarily affects respiratory function rather than metabolic processes.
C. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis happens when excessive CO2 is exhaled, often due to hyperventilation. This is not typical in opioid overdose, where respiratory depression leads to hypoventilation and CO2 retention, not excess loss.
D. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis results from excessive loss of acid or retention of bicarbonate, often due to vomiting or diuretic use. Opioid overdose typically leads to respiratory acidosis, not metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer is ["42"]
Explanation
Calculation:
- Convert the infusion rate from milliliters per hour (mL/hr) to milliliters per minute (mL/min).
Infusion rate in mL/min = 125 mL/hr / 60 min/hr
= 2.0833... mL/min.
Tubing drop factor = 20 gtt/mL.
- Calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min).
Flow rate (gtt/min) = Infusion rate (mL/min) × Tubing drop factor (gtt/mL)
= 2.0833... mL/min × 20 gtt/mL
= 41.666... gtt/min.
- Round the answer to the nearest whole number.
= 42 gtt/min.
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