- Body system
- Fluids and electrolytes
- Brand names
- K-Tab, Klor-Con, K-Dur
What is Potassium chloride used for?
- Treatment and prevention of hypokalemia (for example with loop or thiazide diuretics)
How Potassium chloride works
Replaces potassium, the main intracellular cation, needed for heart rhythm, nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort (oral)
- Pain and phlebitis at the IV site
- Hyperkalemia
Report right away
- Muscle weakness, tingling, slow or irregular heartbeat (high potassium)
- Black stools or abdominal pain (oral)
- Burning or swelling at the IV site
Nursing considerations for Potassium chloride
- Never give potassium by IV push or IM: it can cause fatal cardiac arrest. Always give IV potassium diluted, by infusion pump.
- Follow the facility's maximum infusion rate and concentration (commonly no more than 10 mEq per hour through a peripheral IV; higher rates need a central line and cardiac monitoring).
- Check the potassium level (normal about 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), kidney function and urine output before giving: hold and notify the prescriber if output is low.
- High-alert medication. Do not crush extended-release tablets.
Patient teaching
- Take oral potassium with food and a full glass of water; do not crush or chew extended-release tablets.
- Avoid salt substitutes (they contain potassium) unless prescribed.
- Keep lab appointments.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Electrolyte replacements practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Potassium chloride belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
Which order for potassium chloride should the nurse question?
Show answer
Answer C: 20 mEq IV push IV push potassium can cause cardiac arrest. Potassium is always diluted and infused.
-
During a magnesium sulfate infusion, the patient's patellar reflexes are absent. What should the nurse do?
Show answer
Answer B: Stop the infusion and notify the provider Loss of deep tendon reflexes is an early sign of magnesium toxicity.
-
Which medication should be at the bedside during a magnesium sulfate infusion?
Show answer
Answer B: Calcium gluconate Calcium gluconate is the antidote for magnesium toxicity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Potassium chloride used for?
Treatment and prevention of hypokalemia (for example with loop or thiazide diuretics).
What drug class is Potassium chloride?
Potassium chloride belongs to the class electrolyte replacements. Replaces potassium, the main intracellular cation, needed for heart rhythm, nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
What are the nursing considerations for Potassium chloride?
Never give potassium by IV push or IM: it can cause fatal cardiac arrest. Always give IV potassium diluted, by infusion pump. Follow the facility's maximum infusion rate and concentration (commonly no more than 10 mEq per hour through a peripheral IV; higher rates need a central line and cardiac monitoring).
What should patients report while taking Potassium chloride?
muscle weakness, tingling, slow or irregular heartbeat (high potassium); black stools or abdominal pain (oral); burning or swelling at the IV site.