Which of the following findings would necessitate discontinuing an IV potassium infusion in an adult with ketoacidosis?

Question

Options

• AUrine output 22 mL/hr for 2 hours
• BSerum potassium level of 3.7
• CSmall T wave of ECG
• DSerum glucose level of 180

• A
  70% (32)
• B
  4% (2)
• C
  9% (4)
• D
  17% (8)

Explanation

(A) Adequate renal flow of 30 mL/hr is a necessity with potassium infusions because potassium is excreted renally. (B) Because potassium level will decrease during correction of diabetic ketoacidosis, potassium will be infused even if plasma levels of potassium are normal. (C) A small T wave is normal and desired on the electrocardiogram. A tall, peaked T-wave could indicate overinfusion of potassium and hyperkalemia. (D) Glucose levels of <200 are desirable.

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