Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 730 of 2368
The nurse prepares an IV potassium infusion. Why must the nurse verify the infusion rate carefully?
- Too rapid an infusion can cause sudden cardiac arrest
- Too rapid an infusion can cause cerebral edema
- Too slow an infusion can cause a catheter embolism
- Too slow an infusion can cause chemical phlebitis
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Correct answer: Too rapid an infusion can cause sudden cardiac arrest
IV electrolytes must be given at the correct rate because over-supplementation can be deadly. Potassium given too fast can stop the heart.
Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Initiate IV Therapy: Electrolyte Imbalance. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026