Potassium

1. Therapeutic Effects
   1. Cation that is required to maintain cellular action potential, nerve conduction, myocardial contraction.

2. Indications
   1. Hypokalemia

3. Contraindications/Precautions
   1. Hyperkalemia
   2. Monitor ECG continuously.
   3. Use caution in patients with renal failure due to marked inability to excrete Potassium.

4. Side Effects
   1. Heart block.
   2. Arrhythmias.
   3. Cardiac Arrest.
   4. Bradycardia.
   5. Weakness, lethargy.

5. Administration and Dosage
   1. Normal dosage should not exceed 40 mEq/hour in a concentration of 60 mEq/liter. This is for monitoring and should be maintained as ordered by physician.
   2. EMT-I can monitoring I.V. solutions during transport that contain potassium not to exceed 20 mEq/1000cc or more than 10 mEq/hour.