IV potassium

Question 1

Potassium

Answer 1

A mineral that is naturally occuring in many foods and necessary for proper muscle and cardiac function as well as maintaining the proper fluid balance and ph of the body’s cells.

Question 2

Potassium - Administration

Answer 2

Orally in less serious situations or by IV in more serious situtations of potassium shortage.

When given by IV, potassium chloride CANNOT be administered via IV push/bolus (or via IM or s.q.), because it would result in the patient receiving too much potassium too quickly; it must be diluted and infused over a certain period of time.