Name of drug
General Action
Specific Action
GenericName: Kalium durule
Classifications : electrolytic and water balance agent;
Principal intracellular cation; essential for maintenance of intracellular isotonicity, transmission of nerve impulses, contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles, maintenance of normal kidney function, and for enzyme activity. Plays a prominent role in both formation and correction of imbalances in acid –base metabolism.
Brand Name:
Potassium Chloride
replacement solution
Adverse Effects
GI:Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension. BodyWhole:Pain, mental confusion, irritability, listlessness, paresthesias of extremities, muscle weaknessand weaknessand heaviness of limbs, difficulty in swallowing, flaccid paralysis. Urogenital:Oliguria, anuria. Hematologic:Hyperkalemia. Respiratory:Respiratory distress. CV:Hypotension, bradycardia; cardiac depression, arrhythmias, or arrest; altered sensitivity to digitalis glycosides. ECG changes in hyperkalemia: Tenting (peaking) of T wave (especially in right precordial leads), lowering of R with deepening of S waves and depression of RST; prolonged P-R interval, widened QRS complex, decreased amplitude and disappearance of P waves, prolonged Q-T interval,
Indication
To prevent and treat potassium deficit secondary to diuretic or corticosteroid therapy. Also indicated when potassium is depleted by severe vomiting, diarrhea; intestinal drainage, fistulas, or malabsorption; prolonged diuresis, diabetic acidosis. Effective in the treatment of hypokalemic alkalosis (chloride, not the gluconate).
Contraindication
Nursing Responsibilities
. Severe renal
Monitor I&O ratio and pattern in patients receiving the parenteral drug. If oliguria occurs, stop infusion promptly and notify physician.
impairment; severe hemolytic reactions; untreated Addison’s
disease; crush syndrome; early postoperative oliguria (except during GI drainage); adynamic ileus; acute dehydration; heat cramps, hyperkalemia, patients receiving potassiumsparing diuretics, digitalis intoxication with AV conduction disturbance.
Lab test: Frequent serum electrolytes are warranted.
Monitor for and report signs of GI ulceration (esophageal or epigastric pain or hematemesis).
Monitor patients receiving parenteral potassium closely with
signs of right and left bundle block, deterioration of QRS contour and finally ventricular fibrillation and death.
cardiac monitor. Irregular heartbeat is usually the earliest clinical indication of hyperkalemia.
Be alert for potassium intoxication (hyperkalemia, see S&S, Appendix F); may result from any therapeutic dosage, and the patient may be asymptomatic.
The risk of hyperkalemia with potassium supplement increases (1) in older adults because of decremental changes in
kidney function associated with aging, (2) when dietary intake of potassium suddenly increases, and (3) when kidney function is significantly compromised.
