Our current policy from Lippincott states that the concentration of potassium is from 10-40 mEq/L. Our pharmacy has a policy that states potassium riders are givein in 10mEq/100ml. I have talked to our pharmacist and he states that is the recommended concentration for riders and is currently looking for evidence on this. Does anyone have any information on this. I'm not disputing Lippincott at all I just want to make sure that we currently do is ok.
The best, most accurate and comprehensive reference for all IV medications is a book published annually by Mosby, Intravenous Medications, by Gahart and Navareno. Your Lippincott reference is not complete. Up to 40 mEq/100 mL is possible. Always use this book for all IV medication information. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Greetings,
Lynn- thank you- when I taught nursing, we required our students to purchase current Gahart for all IV research. It is the most current, comprehensive and is regularly updated.
May I add that the poster didn't specify if the IV in question was a central line or a peripheral? It is recognized that "riders" be carefully monitored, but my experience is that few patients can tolerate the 40 mEq in 100mls/NS or D5W peripherally, and it likely will need further dilution. While the vast majority of our heme/onc patients have central lines, not all of them do!
Jessie Brodbeck, RN, MSN, AOCNS
Tampa, FL
Jessie Brodbeck, RN, MSN, AOCNS
You are correct about th original message not specifying peripheral vs central. But oddly enough, neither does Gahart. In fact, the complete statement from Gahart is "40 mEq/100 mL is commonly used and must be controlled by an infusion pump. Up to 100 mEq/100 mL has been administered through a central line (to avoid phlebitis); must be controlled by an infusion pump." I have seen pain on infusion caused by even 10 mEq/ 100 mLs. Smallest catheter, largest vein, no areas of joint flexion, adequate stablization from an engineered stablization device, and more dilution (based on patient tolerance of fluids) will help. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861