Don't Send Vials of Potassium Chloride to Patient Care Units

May 2016

Hospital techs can help prevent patient harm caused by errors with "electrolytes" (magnesium sulfate, potassium chloride, etc).

Inpatients often require doses of electrolytes to boost blood levels that drop...due to meds or medical conditions.

Ideally electrolytes are given by mouth. But the IV route may be necessary if patients can't take oral meds...or need rapid replacement.

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Table of Contents

Automated Dispensing Avoid Restocking Automated Dispensing Cabinets During Common Med Administration
Medical Errors Place Auxiliary Labels on Paralyzing Agents in Code Trays
Opioids Document on Med Histories if Opioid Patients Have an Rx for Naloxone
Infections Investigate Before Refilling Wound Care Products
Delirium Alert Your Pharmacist to Administration Schedules That Interrupt Sleep
Practice Batch Doses From Amps or Vials to Save Money
Supplements Document Supplement Use on Med Histories
Communication When in Doubt, "Pharm Out" Calls from Nurses
Respiratory & Allergy Use Auxiliary Labels to Prevent Injection of IV Meds Ordered for Inhalation
Med Administration Help Bust Med Administration Myths
Injectables Don't Send Vials of Potassium Chloride to Patient Care Units