A patient has a serum potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. The patient's provider has determined that the patient will need 200 mEq of potassium to replace serum losses. How will the nurse caring for this patient expect to administer the potassium?

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Serum potassium levels less than 3.0 mEq/L indicate severe hypokalemia. Replacement of potassium can be done intravenously or orally depending on the severity of hypokalemia. In this case, the patient needs a total of 200 mEq potassium replacement. The safest and most effective way to administer potassium intravenously is in an intravenous solution at a maximum rate of 10 mEq/h to prevent hyperkalemia and other complications. Option A is not safe because it delivers a high dose of potassium in a single oral tablet, which can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Option B is not safe because an intravenous bolus can cause dangerous hyperkalemia and cardiac arrest. Option D is not safe because it delivers potassium too quickly and can cause hyperkalemia.

A Patient Has a Serum Potassium Level of 2