Question

2. A patient with hypokalemia is to receive supplemental potassium.

●        What are the common routes of administration of potassium?

●        What is the nurse’s role in administration of potassium?

●        How does gastrointestinal loss cause potassium depletion?

●        What should be taken with potassium to potentiate its effectiveness?

●        What are the nursing considerations for patient teaching when administering potassium?

Answer 1

ANSWER :

2)● Common routes of administration of potassium :

• ORAL (liquid form , soluble powder or tablet and extended release tablet or capsule)
• PARENTERAL(intravenous)

●Nurse's role in administration of potassium :

Patient should be assessed thoroughly ;

History :

• Hyperkalemia
• Allergies
• Dehydration
• GI disorders
• Heat cramps

Others :

• Baseline ECG
• Urinary output
• Serum electrolyte levels

•Serial potassium levels should be monitored before and during supplementation

•Educate the patient how to take different forms of oral drugs

•Monitor cardiac rhythm regularly and order for ECG if needed

•Agitate prepared IV solution to prevent layering of potassium and monitor IV site regulary

●Gastrointestinal loses -----> volume depletion ------> metabolic alkalosis ------> increased renal potassium excretion -------> hypokalemia

●Magnesium should be taken along with potassium to potentiate its effectiveness because :

• It acts as a cofactor and increases the absorption of potassium and maintain its intracellular level

●Patient teaching :

• Should be taken with meals or after meals or full glass of water to reduce GI irritation and laxative effect
• Oral tablets should not be chewed or crushed , they should be taken as a whole tablet
• Liquid forms, powders and dissolvable tablets should be taken mixed with a glass of cold water or juice
• Side effects to be reported : Severe nausea , vomiting , abdominal pain , weakness , heaviness in legs , black stools , tingling of hands and feet etc