Ok, so I was working a shift where I had this nightmare of a patient who was severely anxious, experiencing extreme shortness of breath, and had laryngeal edema. Patient came from outpatient center and was immediately put on Bipap, ABG, Mag sulfate, solumedrol, breathing treatment, the whole nine yards. We managed her without the need for intubation. ABG's showed slight respiratory alkalosis because of her asthma exacerbation and anxious hyperventilation. Since then, saturation at 100% on Bipap and RR 20. That's a little background. Now the question is, RIGHT before she went up to the floor, doc decided to order 40 PO of potassium chloride. Mind you, I had been in this patient's room almost every 10 min because she was freaking out about everything. So I gave the PO potassium. Now I realize it may have been better to do IV BECAUSE she was on Bipap but her potassium was not extremely low and to be honest, I wanted this lady up as soon as possible because she called me literally every 5 min. Next doc comes on and as she was reviewing her chart she freaks out because of the PO meds scolds me as to why I gave the PO meds. Knowing this doc, she may even report me. So was I right in giving PO meds to a pt with Bipap or is that contraindicated? Please help shed some light on this issue.
