If the patient reports discomfort during potassium chloride infusion, what should the nurse do?

If the patient reports discomfort during potassium chloride infusion, what should the nurse do?

• A. Slow the rate
• B. Stop the infusion immediately
• C. Reposition the arm
• D. Increase the rate

Answer: (A)

Potassium chloride given IV can irritate the vein and cause a burning sensation or pain. Slowing the infusion rate reduces the amount of potassium entering the vein over a short period, which eases irritation and helps the client tolerate the therapy without stopping the infusion altogether. If the pain continues or there are signs of infiltration or extravasation, stop the infusion and reassess the IV site. Repositioning the arm doesn’t address the irritation, and increasing the rate would likely worsen the discomfort.

Potassium chloride given IV can irritate the vein and cause a burning sensation or pain. Slowing the infusion rate reduces the amount of potassium entering the vein over a short period, which eases irritation and helps the client tolerate the therapy without stopping the infusion altogether. If the pain continues or there are signs of infiltration or extravasation, stop the infusion and reassess the IV site. Repositioning the arm doesn’t address the irritation, and increasing the rate would likely worsen the discomfort.