GI+Meds; Potassium Supplements: potassium chloride

mechanism of action for Potassium Supplements: potassium chloride

Essential for conduction of nerve impulses, maintaining electrical excitability of the muscle, & regulation of acid/base balance.

Therapeutic use

• Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L).

• Clients taking certain diuretics like furosemide

• Potassium loss d/t excessive vomiting, diarrhea, excessive use of laxatives, intestinal drainage, & GI fistulas

Complications

• Local GI ulceration/GI distress

• Hyperkalemia (over 5 mEq/L)

Contraindications

• Clients with severe kidney disease 

• Clients with hypoaldosteronism

Drug Interactions:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, increases risk of hyperkalemia.

Nursing Education:

• PO

  • Mix powdered formulation with at least 4 oz of liquid

  • Do not crush XL tabs

  • Take with food

• IV

  • Never give as a bolus, can result in fatal hyperkalemia

  • Dilute & give no more than 40 mEq/L to prevent vein irritation

  • Administer slowly (no faster than 10 mEq/L)

  • Monitor I/Os