# The nurse receives a prescription for potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. Which action is safest?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396583&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Central Venous Access Devices  
> category: PPT

## Question

The nurse receives a prescription for potassium chloride 40 mEq IV. Which action is safest?

## Option

1. Administer the potassium as a rapid IV push.
2. Add the dose to a syringe and give it through the closest port.
3. Give the medication undiluted to avoid fluid overload.
4. Verify dilution and infusion rate, then administer with an infusion pump. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## Explanation

IV potassium must be diluted and infused at a safe prescribed rate, commonly with an infusion pump. Rapid IV push or undiluted administration can cause fatal dysrhythmias. Verification of concentration and rate is a high-priority safety step.

## In-depth explanation

Clinical Judgment
Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits IV potassium safety.

Memory Tip
Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.

KR vs US
NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.

## Clinical scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For IV potassium safety, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **Potassium Chloride** — An electrolyte replacement medication that can be dangerous if infused too rapidly.
- **Infusion Pump** — A device that controls IV medication delivery rate.
- **Dysrhythmia** — An abnormal heart rhythm that can be caused by electrolyte imbalance or unsafe medication administration.

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