CRITICAL GUIDELINES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF POTASSIUM

CRITICAL GUIDELINES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF POTASSIUM 

• NEVER/DO NOT GIVE POTASSIUM IV PUSH (ITS FATAL). 
• Do not give more than 120 mEq/24 hours without ICU monitoring of the patient. 
• Most IV solutions are compatible with Potassium Chloride. 
• NEVER administer concentrated potassium without first diluting. 
• Common used strengths for potassium solutions are 20 or 40 mEq/L which are available in premixed form from manufacturers. 
• Preparations of KCl greater than 60 mEq/L SHOULD NOT be given in peripheral vein. 
• Make sure potassium chloride mixes with the solution thoroughly - invert and agitate the container to ensure mixing. 
• DO NOT add potassium chloride (KCl) to a hanging container. 
• Rate not exceeding 10 to 20 mEq/hr potassium administration. 
• Rate should no more than 40 mEq/h while ECG is monitored for extreme hypokalemia. 
• It is extremely irritating and can cause tissue damage if KCL is administered into the subcutaneous tissue (infiltrated). Extravasation protocal should be use. 
• To control flow rate, use infusion pump. 
• Use extreme caution fotr hourly replacement of potassium by secondary infusion. 
• CHECK KIDNEY FUNCTION. Potassium is primarily excreted through the kidneys.