According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), which route of administration is strictly prohibited for Potassium Chloride (KCl) concentrate due to catastrophic fatal cardiac arrest risk?

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Rapid undiluted intravenous push or bolus injection

  1. Step 1: Intravenous potassium chloride is a high-alert medication that induces immediate cardiac arrest if serum potassium rises abruptly.
  2. Step 2: Potassium chloride concentrate must NEVER be administered via direct intravenous push or rapid bolus injection. It must always be diluted and infused slowly via controlled electronic infusion pumps.
Answer
Rapid undiluted intravenous push or bolus injection.
Why not the others: Diluted continuous infusions in peripheral lines (max 10 mEq/hr) or central lines (max 20 mEq/hr with cardiac monitoring) are standard clinical administration routes.

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