What it means
The most common potassium supplement. By mouth it comes as extended-release tablets, liquid and powder. By IV it is always diluted in a bag of fluid. Its main danger is too much potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry in the blood (hyperkalemiahy-per-kuh-LEE-mee-uhA blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.hyper- abovekal potassium (from its Latin name, kalium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ), which can stop the heart; concentrated injection given by mistake, or pushed quickly, has killed clients. By mouth it can irritate the stomach.
For the nurse
IV potassium is never given by IV push: it is diluted and run on a pump at the ordered rate, often no faster than 10 mEq an hour through a peripheral line. Check kidney function and urine output first, watch the IV site, and follow potassium levels. Give oral forms with food and a full glass of water, and teach the client to swallow extended-release tablets whole. ISMP lists only potassium chloride for injection concentrate as high-alert; the oral forms are not on its list.
At a glance
| Drug class | electrolyte replacement (potassium supplement) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | K-Tab, Klor-Con |
| Abbreviations | KCl |
| Spanish | cloruro de potasio |
| Also written | K-Tab, Klor-Con, KCl |
Related terms
potassium
A mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.
hypokalemia
A blood potassium level below normal, under 3.5 mEq/L.
hyperkalemia
A blood potassium level above normal, over 5.0 mEq/L.