INDEX NURS 2236 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheet

(You will need to made additional copies of these forms)

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/Frequency
Name Name Electrolyte and
potassium chloride water balance 20mEq PO BID
KCL agent
Peak Onset Duration Normal Dosage range
1-2 hr UNK UNK 40-100mEq/day in divided doses

Why is your patient taking this medication? For IV meds, compatability with IV drips and/or solutions
Prevention of potassium deficiency

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

To prevent and treat potassium deficit secondary to diuretic
therapy; severe vomiting; diarrhea; intestinal drainage;
fistulas; prolonged diuresis;
Maintain acid-base balance, isotonicity, and
electrophysiolgic balance of the cell. Activator in many
enzymatic reactions; essential to transmission of nerve
impulses; contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth
muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; tissue synthesis;
and carbohydrate metabolism
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC, or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Potassium-sparing diuretics; ACE inhibitors; angiotensin
II receptor antagonists; anticholinergics;
Contraindications/warnings/interactions Hyperkalemia, severe renal
replacement. Untreated Addison's disease; severe tissue trauma; alcohol; cardiac
disease; diabetes mellitus; hypomagnesemia; hysphagia; esophageal compression
from left atrial enlargement; patients using potassium-sparing drugs
Common side effects Confusion; restlessness; weakness; arrthymias; ECG
changes; abdominal pain; diarrhea; flatulence; nausea; vomiting; GI ulceration
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Monitor serum potassium before and periodically diring therapy. Monitor renal
function, serum bicarbonate, and pH. Serum magnesium levels; Serum chloride
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this medication
Administer with or after meals to decrease GI irritation; avoid salt substitutes or
low-salt milk or food unless approved; report dark, tarry, or bloody stools;
weakness; fatigue; or tingling of extremities; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; or
stomach discomfort.

Nursing Process - Assessment Assessment Evaluation

(Pre-administration assessment
Assess for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia;
weakness; fatigue; U wave on ECG; arrhythmias;
polyuria; polydipsia; hyperkalemia;
Monitor pulse, blood pressure, and ECG
Why would you hold or not give Check after giving
this med?
Abdominal pain; diarrhea; flatulence; Prevention and correction of serum potassium
nausea; arrthymias depletion.
Slow irregular heartbeat; fatigue; muscle Cessation of arrhythmias caused by digoxin
weakness; paresthesia; confusion; dyspnea toxicity.