The nurse works on the cardiac unit of a hospital.The health care provider has ordered 20 mEq of KCl per L to be added to the fluids that the patient is receiving.The patient currently has a bag of D?W IV fluid infusing.Which action is most appropriate?

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Remember that failure to verify that a patient has adequate renal function and urine output before administering an IV solution containing potassium could cause hyperkalemia.Under no circumstances should KCl be given in an IV push.A direct IV infusion of KCl may be fatal.Intravenous administration of KCl requires dilution in solution and infusion slowly over a period of time.In most hospitals,nurses do not add KCl to IV bags.Usually a pharmacist prepares the solution.

The Nurse Works on the Cardiac Unit of a Hospital