can you add KCL to IVF?

[Ms.RN]

can nurses add kcl to the iv fluid bag? i think nurses were allowed to admix medication to the bag, like vitamin b or other medications. but i dont know it can be done nowdays

[ZippyGBR, BSN, RN]

Good Morning!

I stand by my original commentary thank you!

You are totally responsible for your knowledge base; the facility you work at for their policy and procedure on this potentially life-threatening medication.

Last I checked this is a "nursing forum" and within our separate levels of nursing licensure and accountability we are trained about K+.

One had better be aware of K+ levels, normal, the diagnoses of the clients and the outcomes; this is part of basic standard of care.

Karen G.

I do not check in daily so am replying when I do!

what's the first few rules of risk management ?

" do we need to undertake the process ( giving IV fluids with potassium)?"

YES

" Can the risk be eliminated by changing the process/ plant ?"

YES - very easily by moving to premixed solutions ...

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Obviously, based on the many and varied responses here, there is no single clear answer. Different States may well have different allowances in their nurse practice acts for different drug administrations and procedures. Different facilities within these States may also have different allowances, regardless of what a State may permit (meaning, of course, that an individual facility may choose to more greatly restrict practices otherwise allowed by State licensure).

My own facility, in NYS, does allow us to mix KCL and IVFs. That does not mean that it is routine, as it IS normally done in our pharmacy. However, sometimes our pharmacy is not available to us (it is not a 24-hour department, and there are shorter hours on weekends). At those times, when there is absolutely no other option, we do mix our own.

Boluses (IVPB riders) are pre-packaged and typically available to us. It is these solutions that we use to mix with a liter of IVF. Draw off appropriate amount from liter bag of IVF, add rider bag and mix. We do not reconstitute from a vial to add to a bag of fluid.

If at any time anyone is uncomfortable with a procedure that is not only allowed but expected on your unit, it is up to you to voice that concern and seek appropriate education and/or training in order to do the job. You aren't expected to do something without appropriate knowledge, but on the other hand, you ARE expected to GAIN that knowledge, if it is something your unit does.