Which statement about potassium administration is true?

Which statement about potassium administration is true?

• A. Never push K+ IV
• B. Potassium can be given rapidly IV push
• C. Potassium should be given without dilution
• D. K+ is never needed in IV fluids

Answer: (A)

Potassium must be given with great care because it directly affects heart rhythm. The true practice is that potassium should never be given as an IV push. A rapid bolus can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in serum potassium, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. To prevent this, potassium is administered diluted in IV fluids and infused slowly with a pump, with continuous monitoring of the ECG and potassium level. The other statements are unsafe or incorrect because undiluted or rapidly given potassium can cause immediate toxicity, and potassium may indeed be needed in IV fluids when replacement is required.

Potassium must be given with great care because it directly affects heart rhythm. The true practice is that potassium should never be given as an IV push. A rapid bolus can cause a sudden, dangerous rise in serum potassium, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. To prevent this, potassium is administered diluted in IV fluids and infused slowly with a pump, with continuous monitoring of the ECG and potassium level. The other statements are unsafe or incorrect because undiluted or rapidly given potassium can cause immediate toxicity, and potassium may indeed be needed in IV fluids when replacement is required.