Final answer:
Injecting a potassium solution all at once as a bolus can have severe and potentially lethal consequences such as hyperkalemia, arrhythmias, and muscle weakness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Injecting a potassium solution all at once as a bolus can have severe and potentially lethal consequences. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including maintaining the balance of fluids and regulating heart rhythm. When given IV all at once as a bolus, it can cause a rapid increase in the concentration of potassium in the bloodstream, leading to hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia can disrupt the normal electrical impulses in the heart, potentially resulting in life-threatening arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. It can also lead to muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, and other neurological symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to administer IV potassium cautiously and slowly, following proper protocols and under the supervision of healthcare professionals.