Question

Under what conditions may a hospital keep concentrated electrolytes in patient care areas?

A. When patient safety necessitates their immediate use and precautions are used to prevent inadvertent administration

B. When storage within patient care areas has been approved by a registered pharmacist, in accordance with law and regulation

C. When the electrolytes are labeled individually with a visible fluorescent warning label that states "MUST BE DILUTED"

Answer 1

Hospitals may keep concentrated electrolytes in patient care areas when immediate use is required for patient safety, with approved storage by a pharmacist, and with labels indicating dilution is necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

Conditions for Storing Concentrated Electrolytes in Patient Care Areas

Concentrated electrolytes may be kept in patient care areas under specific conditions to ensure patient safety and proper administration. One scenario is when patient safety necessitates their immediate use and measures are in place to prevent inadvertent direct administration. Another condition could be when storage within patient care areas has been approved by a registered pharmacist, in compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Additionally, the concentrated electrolytes must be properly labeled, preferably with a visible fluorescent warning label indicating they "MUST BE DILUTED" before use. In the context of a hospital setting, where a patient might be suffering from a condition like hypokalemia, an IV solution must be prepared carefully by diluting a stock solution to achieve the desired concentration, which is similar to the electrolyte concentration in the body fluids. This ensures the safe and effective correction of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and it also helps in maintaining cell and electrical functions essential for patient health.