# A nurse receives a telephone prescription to administer potassium chloride by IV push for a client with hypokalemia. Which response is most appropriate?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397302&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Client Rights  
> category: MOC

## Question

A nurse receives a telephone prescription to administer potassium chloride by IV push for a client with hypokalemia. Which response is most appropriate?

## Option

1. Clarify and refuse the IV push route, then follow the chain of command. **✔ Correct answer**
2. Ask another nurse to cosign the telephone prescription.
3. Dilute the medication in a syringe before giving it.
4. Administer the medication slowly while monitoring the heart rhythm.

**Correct answer: 1**

## Explanation

Potassium chloride must never be administered by IV push because it can cause fatal dysrhythmias. The nurse must question and refuse an unsafe prescription and use the chain of command if needed. Cosigning, diluting, or giving it slowly does not make the route safe.

## In-depth explanation

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

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 Unsafe potassium prescription, 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

- **Chain of Command** — The escalation pathway used when a safety concern is not resolved.
- **Potassium Chloride** — An electrolyte replacement that requires dilution and controlled IV administration.
- **IV Push** — Rapid direct IV administration that is unsafe for potassium chloride.

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