Which statement about intravenous potassium administration is correct?

• A. Always use a pump; max peripheral rate is 10 mEq/50 mL over 1 hour; max central rate is 20 mEq/100 mL over 1 hour
• B. Potassium can be pushed rapidly if symptoms are severe
• C. Potassium can be added to the IV bag to ensure rapid infusion
• D. Potassium does not require cardiac monitoring

Answer: (A)

Intravenous potassium must be given with careful rate control because it directly affects the heart’s electrical activity. The safest and most accurate approach is to use an infusion pump and follow strict rate limits: when given through a peripheral line, no more than 10 mEq in 50 mL over one hour; when given through a central line, no more than 20 mEq in 100 mL over one hour. This controlled delivery helps prevent dangerous changes in rhythm and vein irritation.

Rapid push of potassium can cause life-threatening arrhythmias, so it’s not acceptable even if symptoms seem severe. Adding potassium to an IV bag to speed infusion is unsafe and not how dosing is managed—the rate and total amount must come from a prescribed plan, not improvised mixing. Potassium therapy also requires cardiac monitoring because even with controlled rates, arrhythmias can develop; labs, patient symptoms, and urine output are all watched closely to ensure safe treatment.