Potassium Chloride (kcl)

INDEX Generic Trade Name Name potassium chloride KCL Peak Onset 1-2 hr UNK

NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet (You will need to made additional copies of these forms) Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency Electrolyte and water balance 20mEq PO BID agent Duration Normal Dosage range UNK 40-100mEq/day in divided doses

Why is your patient taking this medication? Prevention of potassium deficiency

For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions

Mechanism of action and indications To prevent and treat potassium deficit secondary to diuretic therapy; severe vomiting; diarrhea; intestinal drainage; fistulas; prolonged diuresis; Maintain acid-base balance, isotonicity, and electrophysiolgic balance of the cell. Activator in many enzymatic reactions; essential to transmission of nerve impulses; contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; tissue synthesis; and carbohydrate metabolism Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal medicines (ask patient specifically) Potassium-sparing diuretics; ACE inhibitors; angiotensin II receptor antagonists; anticholinergics;

Nursing Implications (what to focus on) Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hyperkalemia, severe renal replacement. Untreated Addison's disease; severe tissue trauma; alcohol; cardiac disease; diabetes mellitus; hypomagnesemia; hysphagia; esophageal compression from left atrial enlargement; patients using potassium-sparing drugs Common side effects Confusion; restlessness; weakness; arrthymias; ECG changes; abdominal pain; diarrhea; flatulence; nausea; vomiting; GI ulceration

Lab value alterations caused by medicine Monitor serum potassium before and periodically diring therapy. Monitor renal function, serum bicarbonate, and pH. Serum magnesium levels; Serum chloride Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication Administer with or after meals to decrease GI irritation; avoid salt substitutes or low-salt milk or food unless approved; report dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; fatigue; or tingling of extremities; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; or stomach discomfort.

Nursing Process - Assessment (Pre-administration assessment Assess for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia; weakness; fatigue; U wave on ECG; arrhythmias; polyuria; polydipsia; hyperkalemia; Monitor pulse, blood pressure, and ECG

Assessment Why would you hold or not give this med? Abdominal pain; diarrhea; flatulence; nausea; arrthymias Slow irregular heartbeat; fatigue; muscle weakness; paresthesia; confusion; dyspnea

Evaluation Check after giving Prevention and correction of serum potassium depletion. Cessation of arrhythmias caused by digoxin toxicity.