Episode #34: potassium chloride (K-Tab) | Podcast Show Notes
potassium chloride (poe TASS ee um KLOR ide)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for potassium chloride along with a brief summary of various points on potassium chloride.
QUESTIONS:
- If extravasation occurs which of the following is appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A). Hyaluronidase injected as 5 separate 0.2-0.3 mL injections.
- B). Hyaluronidase injected as one 15 unit injection.
- C). Elevate extremity.
- D). Apply cold compress.
- E). Only B, C, and D are appropriate.
- Potassium is essential for which of the following? Select all that apply.
- A). Nerve impulses
- B). Heart
- C). Brain
- D). Muscle
- E). All of the above.
- True or False. The administration of potassium via IV push is only appropriate in severe life threatening hypokalemia.
- What is the normal daily requirement for potassium in an adult?
- When treating mild-moderate hypokalemia what is the dosing range and single dose limit? Why is there a recommended single dose limit?
SUMMARY:
There are two most commonly used versions of potassium. Potassium chloride (supplementation) or potassium citrate (alkalinizing agent). Potassium chloride, also known as K-Tab or Klor-Con, is an electrolyte supplementation used in treating and preventing Hypokalemia (low potassium). Potassium is an essential cation that is needed for the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain, and muscle. Unlike most drugs, potassium is not measured in “mg” and is measured in “mEq” or milliequivalents. Potassium chloride comes in multiple dosage forms such as an ER capsule and tablet, a powdered packet, oral solution, and also as an intravenous solution. When the IV solution is used a major concern is for extravasation, which is when plasma escapes from the extracellular space and forms blisters on the patient. If this occurs the drug hyaluronidase is injected as 5 separate 0.2-0.3 mL injections along with applying a cold compress and elevating the extremity. Another important note for the IV solution is that it is never administered as IV push and the solution must be diluted prior to administration.
ANSWERS:
- A, C, and D are correct.
- A, B, C, D, and E are correct.
- False. Potassium Chloride solution is never administered via IV push.
- 40-80 mEq/day
- 40-100 mEq daily in divided doses with a max single dose between 20-25 mEq to avoid GI discomfort.
PDF of Drug Card: potassium chloride
