A patient on amphotericin B develops hypokalemia of 2.3 meq/l. K+ supplementation required?
(A) 40 mEq over 24 hours (B) 60 mEq over 24 hours (C) 80 mEq over 24 hours (D) 120-160 mEq over 24 hours
(D) Ans. d. 120-160 mEq over 24 hoursExcept in unusual circumstances, the total amount of potassium administered daily should not exceed 200 mEq.Potassium SupplementationA prudent protocol to follow is to add potassium chloride to IV solutions at a final concentration of 40-60 mEq/L and to administer no more than 10-20 mEq/L of potassium per hourExcept in unusual circumstances, the total amount of potassium administered daily should not exceed 200 mEq.IV potassium replacement is indicated for patients with severe hypokalemia and for those who can not take oral supplementation.For severe deficiency, potassium may be given through a peripheral IV line in a concentration that should exceed 40 mEq/L, at the rates upto 40 mEq/L/Hour.Continuous ECG monitoring is indicated and the serum potassium levels should be checked every 3-6 hours.For the initial administration, avoid glucose containing fluid to prevent fuher shift of potassium intothe cells. .Magnesium deficiency also needs to be corrected at the same time, paicularly in refractory hypokalemia