Quick K+ question

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS/Tele, Corrections.

Hi Folks,

Years ago, we used to add a buffer to IV Potassium riders to decrease stinging on infusion. Can't remember the name for the life of me. Anyone know?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

We just usually hang a NS flush bag and low port the potassium in so it's diluted. Sorry it doesn't answer your original question, but it's another option.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS/Tele, Corrections.

Thanks! I think the stuff we used to use was called Neut. No help though, since no one carries it anymore lol.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

There used to a practice of adding lidocaine to the bag, although that's fallen out of favor due to safety issues.

Buffering the KCL isn't going to help much since it isn't all that acidic, peripheral concentrations typically has a pH of 5.5 which is about the same as NS.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MS/Tele, Corrections.

Good to know the pH, thanks. I've always had people complain about K-riders, although I do run 'em with NS and slowly.

Thanks for the quick responses!

~Monkey

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