Question

Potassium chloride

Expected pharmacological action

Contraindications/precautions

Nursing interventions

Patient education

Answer 1

Ans) Potassium chloride:

Expected Pharmacological action:

- To treat hypokalemia.

- To maintain intracellular tonicity

- Proper transmission of nerve impulses

- Contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle

- In maintenance of normal renal function.

Contraindications/Precautions:

- KCl is never to be given IV push, it may cause sudden cardiac arrest.

- Dehydration

- Hyperkalemia

- Complete heart block

Nursing interventions:

- Labs should be done in order to know the Potassium levels.

- Administer via correct route: If IV then at slow rate to be diluted in IV fluid.

Syrup should be also diluted as it is an irritant.

Patient education:

- Instruct patient to report any signs of complications- dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; unusual fatigue; or tingling of extremities, discomfort. Dosage may require adjustment.