IV potassium Flashcards
When is IV potassium indicated for use?
- Prevention of potassium depletion
- Treatment of hypokalaemia that is severe
What is the normal potassium requirement of an individual per day?
1 mmol/kg/day
Why should potassium be given with sodium chloride in situations of severe potassium depletion rather than glucose?
Negatively charged chloride ions promote retention of K+ in the serum for longer, whereas glucose promotes insluin secretion, resulting in potassium shifting into the cells
What are adverse effects of IV potassium?
- Hyperkalaemia
- Arrythmias
- Irritation to the veins
What is the maximum rate of administration of potassium?
20 mmol/hr
What monitoring would you want to do for administering IV potassium?
SErial potassium measurements
What is hypokalaemia often associated with?
Hypomagnasaemia - always check and prescribe accordingly