My mother-in-law, who weighs 285 lbs., recently had a
cardiac catheterization. While she was in the day surgery
suite, a nurse came in to the room and told us her potassium
level was 2 and she would have to have supplemental
potassium in the form of IVs and tablets before the
procedure could be done. Two IVs were given with 9NS w/ 20
mEqs at 150 cc/hr each, plus another 20 mEq in tablet form.
My questions are: Based on the above IV rate plus the oral
tablets, how many mEQs of potassium choride is required to
raise serum potassium 1 mEq? Is 60 mEq likely to raise the
level from 2. to 3? I've read several guidelines regarding
the administration of KCl, but they don't seem to agree. The
last one I read said 2 mEq for every .1 <4.5.
Thanks for your replies.
Jerelyn