A nurse administers potassium chloride intravenously. What is the maximum safe infusion rate through a peripheral intravenous line without continuous cardiac monitoring?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. 10 mEq per hour
Answer: 10 mEq per hour.
Why not the others: Infusing potassium faster than 10 mEq/h through a peripheral vein causes severe chemical phlebitis, burning pain, and dangerous arrhythmias; Rates up to 20 mEq/h require a central venous catheter and continuous cardiac telemetry; 30 to 40 mEq/h can precipitate sudden asystole.
Why not the others: Infusing potassium faster than 10 mEq/h through a peripheral vein causes severe chemical phlebitis, burning pain, and dangerous arrhythmias; Rates up to 20 mEq/h require a central venous catheter and continuous cardiac telemetry; 30 to 40 mEq/h can precipitate sudden asystole.
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