Potassium Chloride Flashcards

Study Notes

Potassium Chloride Overview

Generic and trade names include Cena-K, Gen-K, K+Care, K-Dur, Klor-Con, Micro-K, and many others.
Classified under therapeutic drugs for mineral and electrolyte replacements/supplements.

Therapeutic Action

Primarily used for the replacement and prevention of potassium deficiency.

Side Effects

CNS: confusion, restlessness, weakness.
CV: arrhythmias and ECG changes.
GI: abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting; tablets/capsules may cause ulcers or lesions.
Local: irritation at IV site.
Neuro: paralysis and paresthesia.

Nursing Implications - Assessment

Evaluate for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia.
Monitor pulse, blood pressure, and ECG during IV therapy.
Check serum potassium, renal function, bicarbonate levels, and pH regularly.
Assess magnesium levels in cases of refractory hypokalemia.
Watch for hypochloremia when replacing potassium without chloride.

Toxicity and Overdose

Symptoms of toxicity mirror hyperkalemia.
Treatment includes discontinuing potassium, administering sodium bicarbonate for acidosis, giving dextrose and insulin to help move potassium into cells, and possibly dialysis for renal impaired patients.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Imbalanced nutrition; less than body requirements.

Implementation Considerations

High alert for medication errors related to rapid IV infusion or bolus administration of KCl.
Avoid confusing K-Dur with Imdur and Micro-K with micronase.
For renal tubular acidosis, consider alternative salts like potassium bicarbonate.
If hypokalemia results from diuretics, adjust dosage appropriately unless arrhythmias or digitalis therapy is a concern.
To reduce GI irritation, administer potassium chloride with or after meals.
Tablets and capsules reserved for patients intolerant to liquids; take with water.

Administration Guidelines

Effervescent tablets should dissolve in 3-8 oz of cold water.
Powders and solutions must be diluted in a similar volume before ingestion.
Enteric-coated or extended-release tablets must not be chewed or crushed; Micro-K ExtenCaps can be sprinkled on soft food.
Monitor for extravasation to prevent severe pain and tissue necrosis.
Never administer potassium IV push or bolus; lethal results have occurred with incorrect administration.
Continuous infusion must not exceed concentrations of 1.5 mEq/ml undiluted to avoid fatalities.

Description

Test your knowledge on Potassium Chloride with these flashcards covering various trade names and classifications. This quiz will help you learn about its therapeutic uses and different brand names. Perfect for pharmacy students or anyone interested in pharmacology.