Question

A patient has a potassium level of 2.0. What would you expect to be ordered for this patient?

A. Potassium 30 meq IV push
B. Infusion of Potassium intravenously
C. An oral supplement of potassium
D. Intramuscular injection of Potassium

Answer 1

For a patient with severe hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.0), an infusion of potassium intravenously is generally the most appropriate treatment option to quickly and safely restore normal levels and avoid serious complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient exhibiting a potassium level of 2.0 mEq/L is considered to have a severe case of hypokalemia, as normal serum potassium levels range from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. In such cases, rapid replenishment is required to avoid serious cardiac and neurological complications. Therefore, the most appropriate treatment option would be B. Infusion of Potassium intravenously. Intravenous administration is preferred in severe cases to quickly restore normal levels; however, not via IV push, but rather through a controlled IV infusion due to safety concerns. Intramuscular injection of potassium is not recommended as it can cause pain and damage to the muscle tissue. Oral supplementation (Option C) may be too slow in cases of severe hypokalemia, and potassium injection is known to be lethal when not controlled, as it dissipates the electrochemical gradient in cardiac muscle cells, leading to cardiac arrest.