Intravenous Potassium Chloride (KCl) 40 MEq Is Ordered for Treatment

Multiple Choice

Intravenous potassium chloride (KCl) 40 mEq is ordered for treatment of a patient with hypokalemia. In administering the potassium solution, the nurse is aware that

A) the KCl should be administered as an IV bolus so that the hypokalemia will be corrected before complications occur.
B) the amount of KCl added to IV fluids should not exceed 20 mEq/L to prevent hyperkalemia from developing.
C) the KCl should be given only through central lines to avoid venospasm and inflammation at the IV insertion site.
D) to reduce the risk for cardiac dysrhythmia, the maximum amount of KCl to be administered in 1 hour is 20 mEq.