NURS 2516 Clinical Medications Worksheets

Generic Trade Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Name Name mineral and electrolyte 20 mEq po Q Day
Potassium Kay Ciel replacements/supplements Range: 20-
chloride 40mEq
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or
1-2 hr unknown unknown solutions
N/A
Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)
(Why med ordered Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Maintain acid-base balance, isotonicity, and
electrophysiologic balance of the cell Hyperkalemia, Severe tissue trauma, Some products may contain
Activator in many enzymatic reactions; essential to tartrazine
(FDC yellow dye #5) or alcohol; avoid using in patients with
transmission of nerve impulses; contraction of cardiac, known
skeletal, and smooth muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; hypersensitivity or intolerance
tissue synthesis; and carbohydrate metabolism
Use cautiously in:
Treatment/prevention of potassium depletion Cardiac disease

Common side effects

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
None for this patient
abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Monitor serum chloride because hypochloremia may occur if
replacing potassium without concurrent chloride. Monitor serum
potassium before and periodically during therapy. Monitor renal
function, serum bicarbonate, and pH. Determine serum magnesium
level if patient has refractory hypokalemia; hypomagnesemia
should be corrected to facilitate effectiveness of potassium
replacement

Be sure to teach the patient the following about this

medication.
Explain to patient purpose of the medication and the need to take as
directed,especially when concurrent digoxin or diuretics are taken. A missed dose
should be taken as soon as remembered within 2 hr; if not, return to regular
doseschedule. Do not double dose. Emphasize correct method of administration. GI
irritation or ulceration may result from chewing enteric-coated tablets or insufficient
dilution of liquid or powder forms. Someextended-release tablets are contained in a
wax matrix that may be expelled in the stool. This occurrence is not significant.
Instruct patient to avoid salt substitutes or low-salt milk or food unless approved by
health care professional. Patient should be advised to read all labels to prevent
excess potassium intake. Advise patient regarding sources of dietary potassium.
Encourage compliance with recommended diet. Instruct patient to report
dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; unusual fatigue; or tingling of extremities.
Notify health care professional if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
persists. Dosage may require adjustment. Emphasize the importance of regular
follow-up exams to monitor serum levels and
progress.
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment Evaluation
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after
Monitor serum potassium levels, renal function, med? Giving
and serum bicarbonate If patient is showing signs of toxicity: Prevention and
dark, tarry, or bloody stools; weakness; correction of
unusual fatigue; or tingling of serum
extremities potassium
depletion