Question about Medication

[FromtheGroundUp]

Alright, so we have to complete medication lists with a patient scenario-My patient is hyponatremic. He has normal potassium levels but is receiving Potassium Chloride 10 mEq extended release tablet 3 times daily PO. I don't understand why this patient is on a potassium supplement if his potassium level is unaffected. I was thinking it had something to do with the sodium-potassium pump and reciprocal relationship sodium and potassium have as well as the fact that the patient is on a laxative which can decrease potassium levels as well. Can someone help me think through this?

[twozer0, NP]

Alright, so we have to complete medication lists with a patient scenario-My patient is hyponatremic. He has normal potassium levels but is receiving Potassium Chloride 10 mEq extended release tablet 3 times daily PO. I don't understand why this patient is on a potassium supplement if his potassium level is unaffected. I was thinking it had something to do with the sodium-potassium pump and reciprocal relationship sodium and potassium have as well as the fact that the patient is on a laxative which can decrease potassium levels as well. Can someone help me think through this?

Would he happen to be on any other medication that would deplete his K such as diamox or lasix?!

[mrsboots87]

You are over thinking this. Your patient is in Lasix. That is one reason to possibly supplement with potassium. They may be on other medications that affect potassium or have a condition that effects potassium.

But, all that aside, telling us the patients potassium is normal is not specific enough. A normal potassium of 3.6 is different then a normal potassium of 4.9. It could be that the patient takes potassium because without it, they drop too low. Having a normal potassium level doesn't mean it's time to stop supplementing. Many places like potassium above 3.8. So even though 3.5 is technically normal, they will still suppliment because it is too close to being low.

[Summer Days]

If I am correct, you are to interpret this order as prophylaxis for maintaining potassium at current levels or prevent it from dropping low. As others have suggested, check whether there are other medications that are potassium depleting. Also check pt's other medical diagnosis that affect potassium. Is the pt on continuous NG suction? The gut is potassium rich so if we are suctioning continuously, guess what else is being dumped out?

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

The patient is probably dehydrated hence the decreased sodium level. The potassium level is probably usually lower which is why he is on supplementation, but now it is normal because he is not urinating as frequently due to the dehydration. Potassium is excreted via the urine and gastric secretions.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Perhaps his level is normal BECAUSE he is on supplements.