Need some solid answers

few thoughts arise from this:

1) potassium channels are inhibited by magnesium. hypomagnesemia results in increased efflux of intracellular K. the cell loses potassium which then is excreted by the kidneys, resulting in hypokalemia

2) magnesium is needed for the adequate function of the Na+/K+-ATPase pumps in the cells of the heart. a lack of it depolaries and results in tachyarrhythmias. since magnesium inhibits release of potassium, a lack of magnesium increases loss of potassium. Intracellular levels of potassium decrease and the cells depolarize, hence arrhythmias

3) roughly 42% of patients with hypokalemia also have hypomagnesemia, not responding to potassium supplementation

hope this helps some-

Does your unit have access to micromedex? it is an online tool for drug therapy, and it has a great section in which you can enter all the meds your patient receives IV,and then prints out a nice chart telling you precisely what is compatible with what. I use it all the time, as i am also a new ICU nurse, and often have patients on multiple pressors, abx, sedation, electrolytes, etc. It really helps me to be able to know what i can run where and when, and how much i can put in one line. Just an idea!!

MIcromedex is a life saver. Always use it if you're unsure. Sometimes I will use my CVP port to infuse meds if I have nothing else.

Organizing your lines is very important. I always label the ends of the tubing with the name of the med. And the pump will get a label too. If the med needs to be run alone, I'll use red tape or a different color marker to help me remember (and others remember). It just takes some experience to remember what is compatible, but you'll get it in no time. And yes, it's a pain when you are busy and don't have time to be neat/organized and look up everything! But that takes time/experience too.

I'm not buying the infusing propofol alone. I use propofol on a daily basis and have never had an issue.