Potassium Chloride
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Administer with or after meals to decrease GI irritation
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Advise pt regarding sources of dietary K. Encourage compliance with recommended diet.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Assess for extravasation; severe pain and tissue necrosis may occur.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Assessment
Assess for s/s of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.
Potassium Chloride Side effects
CNS- confusion, restlessness, weakness CV-Arrhithmias, ECG changes GI- abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting Tablets & capsules only- GI ulceration, stenotic lesions Local- irritation at IV site Neuro- paralysis, paresthesia
Potassium Chloride Drug name ( Generic and Trade)
Cena-K, Gen-K, K+Care, K+10, Kaochlor, Koachlor S-F, Kaon-Cl, Kay Ciel, KCl, K-Dur, K-Lease, K-Lor, Klor-Con, Klorvess Liquid, Klotrix, K-Lyte/Cl Powder, K-Med, K-Norm, K-Sol, K-Tab, Micro-K, Micro-K ExtenCaps, Micro-LS, Potasalan, Roychlor, Rum-K, Slow-K, Ten-K
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Concentrations of 0.1 or 0.4 mEq/ml are intended for administration via calibrated infusion device and do not required dilution
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Dissolve effervescent tablets in 3-8 oz of cold water. Ensure that effervescent tablet is fully dissolved. Powders and solutions should be diluted in 3-8 oz of cold water of juice. Instruct pt to drink slowly over 5-10 mins
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation Continuous Infusion High Alert
Do not administer concentrations of more than 1.5mEq/ml undiluted; fatalities have occurred. Concentrated products have black caps on vials or black stripes above constriction on ampules and are labeled with a warning about dilution requirement. Each single dose must be diluted and throughly mixed in 100-1000 ml of IV solution. Usually limited to 80 mEq/L via peripheral line (200 mEq/L via central line)
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Do not confuse K-Dur with Imdur. Do not confuse Micro-K with micronase.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Emphasize correct method of administration. GI irritation or ulceration may result from chewing enteric-coated tablets or insufficient dilution of liquid or powder forms.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Emphasize the importance of regular follow up exams to monitor serum levels and progress
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Explain to pt purpose of the med and the need to take as directed, especially when concurrent digoxin or diuretics are taken. A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered within 2 hr; if not, return to regular dose schedule. Do not double dose.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
For most purposes, KCl should be used, except for renal tubular acidosis (hyperchloremic acidosis), in which other salts are more appropriate (K bicarbonate, K citrate, or K gluconate)
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
If hypokalemia is secondary to diuretic therapy, consideration should be given to decreasing the dose of the diuretic, unless there is a history of significant arrhythmias or concurrent digitalis glycoside therapy.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Potential Nursing Diagnosis
Imbalanced nutrition; less than body requirements
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation High Alert
Infuse slowly, at a rate up to 10mEq/kg/hr in children in general care areas. Check hospital policy for maximum infusion rates. Use an infusion pump
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Instruct pt to avoid salt substitutes or low-salt milk or food unless approved by HCP. Pt should be advised to read all labels to prevent excess K intake
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Instruct pt to report dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; unusual fatigue; or tingling of extremities. Notify HCP if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort persists. Dosage may require adjustment.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation High Alert
Med errors involving too rapid infusion or bolus IV administration of KCl have resulted in fatalities.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Assessment
Monitor pulse, BP, and ECG periodically during IV therapy
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Assessment
Monitor serum K before and periodically during therapy. Monitor renal function, serum bicarbonate, and pH. Determine serum Mg levels if patient had refractory hypokalemia; hypomagnesemia should be corrected to facilitate effectiveness of K replacement. Monitor serum Cl because hypochlyorimia may occur if replacing K without concurrent Cl.
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation High Alert
Never administer K IV push or bolus
Potassium Chloride Therapeutic Action
Replacement. Prevention of deficiency
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Pt/family teaching
Some extended release tablets are contained in a wax matrix that may be expelled in the stool. This occurrence is not significant
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Assessment Toxicity and OD
Symptoms of toxicity are those of hyperkalemia. Treatment includes discontinuation of K, administration of Na bicarbonate to correct acidosis, dextrose and insulin to facilitate passage of K into cells, calcium salts to reverse ECG effects (In pt who are not receiving digoxin), sodium polystyrene used as an exchange resin, and/or dialysis for pt with impaired renal function
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Tablets and capsules should be taken with a meal and full glass of water. DO NOT chew or crush enteric-coated or extended-release tablets or capsules. Micro-K ExtenCaps capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food and swallowed immediately with a glass of water or juice.
Potassium Chloride Classification and sub classification
Therapeutic- mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements
Potassium Chloride Nursing implications Implementation
Use of tablets and capsules should be reserved for patients who cannot tolerate liquid preparations
