NURS 1556 Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Name Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Potassium Micro-K Mineral and 10 mEq PO Every Day
Chloride electrolyte
supplement
Peak Onset Duration For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and /or solutions
One to two hours Unknown Unknown
N/A

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered) Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Treatment/prevention or potassium depletion. Hyperkalemia, known hypersensitivity, cardiac disease.
Maintain acid-base balance, isotonicity, and electrophysiologic
balance of the cell. Activator in many enzymatic reactions; essential
in nerve impulses, contraction in cardiac, skeletal and smooth
muscle; gastric secretion; renal function; tissue synthesis; and Common side effects
carbohydrate metabolism. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, restlessness,
weakness, arrhythmias, GI ulceration, stenotic lesions
Ordered: for Lasix usage

Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
Use with potassium-sparing diuretics or ACE inhibitors or
angiotensin 2 receptor antagonists my lead to hyperkalemia.
Nursing Process- Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment)
Assess for signs and symptoms of hypokalemia or
hyperkalemia.
Monitor pulse, blood pressure and ECG
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Monitor serum potassium before and periodically during therapy.
Monitor renal function, serum bicarbonate, and pH.
Normal potassium level= 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
medication
Should be taken with a meal or a full glass of water. Monitor pulse.
Purpose of supplement and need to take as directed, take missed doses as
soon as remembered within 2 hours, avoid salt substitutes or low-salt
milk milk or food unless approved by health care professionals,
encourage compliance with recommended diet, report dark, tarry stool,
emphasize importance of regular follow-up exams.
Assessment Evaluation
Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
med? Cessation of arrhythmias
Serum potassium level greater than 5.5 mEq/L Prevention or correction of serum
potassium depletion.