Question

(Potassium Chloride) medication template

ACTIVE LEARNING TEMPLATE: Medication STUDENT NAME REVIEW MODULE CHAPTER MEDICATION CATEGORY CLASS PURPOSE OF MEDICATION Expected Pharmacological Action Therapeutic Use Complications Medication Administration Contraindications/Precautions Nursing Interventions Interactions Client Education Evaluation of Medication Effectiveness

Answer 1

expected action-

The potassium ion is the principal intracellular cation of most body tissues. Potassium ions participate in a number of essential physiological processes including the maintenance of intracellular tonicity, the transmission of nerve impulses, the contraction of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle and the maintenance of normal renal function.

The intracellular concentration of potassium is approximately 150 to 160 mEq per liter. The normal adult plasma concentration is 3.5 to 5 mEq per liter. An active ion transport system maintains this gradient across the plasma membrane.

Potassium is a normal dietary constituent and under steady state conditions the amount of potassium absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract is equal to the amount excreted in the urine. The usual dietary intake of potassium is 50 to 100 mEq per day.

theraputic use-

Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets is indicated for the treatment and prophylaxis of hypokalemia with or without metabolic alkalosis, in patients for whom dietary management with potassium-rich foods or diuretic dose reduction is insufficient.

complication-

Solid oral dosage forms of Potassium Chloride can produce ulcerative and/or stenotic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly if the drug maintains contact with the gastrointestinal mucosa for prolonged periods. Consider the use of liquid potassium in patients with dysphagia, swallowing disorders, or severe gastrointestinal motility disorders.

If severe vomiting, abdominal pain, distention, or gastrointestinal bleeding occurs, discontinue Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets and consider possibility of ulceration, obstruction or perforation.

Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets should not be taken on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation.

The most common adverse reactions to oral potassium salts are nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal pain/discomfort, and diarrhea.

There have been reports hyperkalemia and of upper and lower gastrointestinal condition including obstruction, bleeding, ulceration, perforation.

Skin rash has been reported rarely.

medical administration-

If serum potassium concentration is less than 2.5 mEq/L, use intravenous potassium instead of oral supplementation.Take Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets with meals and with a glass of water or other liquid. Do not take Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets on an empty stomach because of its potential for gastric irritation

contraindications-

Potassium Chloride is contraindicated in patients on triamterene and amiloride

interactions-

Drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), spironolactone, eplerenone, or aliskiren produce potassium retention by inhibiting aldosterone production. Closely monitor potassium in patients on concomitant RAAS inhibitors.

Use with triamterene or amiloride can produce severe hyperkalemia. Concomitant use is contraindicated .

NSAIDS may produce potassium retention by reducing renal synthesis of prostaglandin E and impairing the renin-angiotensin system. Closely monitor potassium in patients on concomitant NSAIDs.

nursing intervention-

Monitor serum potassium and adjust dosages accordingly. Monitor serum potassium periodically during maintenance therapy to ensure potassium remains in desired range.

The treatment of potassium depletion, particularly in the presence of cardiac disease, renal disease, or acidosis, requires careful attention to acid-base balance, volume status, electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, chloride, phosphate, and calcium, electrocardiograms, and the clinical status of the patient. Correct volume status, acid-base balance, and electrolyte deficits as appropriate.

client education-

Inform patients to take each dose with meals and with a full glass of water or other liquid, and to not crush, chew, or suck the tablets. Inform patients that the wax matrix is not absorbed and is excreted in the feces; in some instances the empty matrices may be noticeable in the stool.Advise patients seek medical attention if tarry stools or other evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding is noticed.

evaluation of medicine effectivenesss-

potassium chloride was compared with triamterene in a crossover trial involving 16 hypertensive patients with overt diuretic-induced hypokalemia. Potassium chloride, 24 to 96 mEq/day, normalized the plasma potassium (PK) level at 3.5 mEq/L or more in only eight of the patients. The average increase in PK level was 0.58 mEq/L. Triamterene, 50 to 200 mg daily, normalized PK level in ten of the patients. The average increase in PK level was 0.72 mEq/L, which was not significantly different than that with potassium therapy. Some patients who responded to potassium did not respond to triamterene, and vice versa. Most of the administered potassium was excreted in the urine even with persisting hypokalemia. Addition of triamterene to diuretic therapy resulted in a small but statistically significant increase in plasma creatinine level.