Title: Policy for use of intravenous potassium chloride
Document ID:
Operational Circular OP 1969/05
Date of Issue:
Thursday, 21 July 2005
Status:
Current
File Number(s):
04-03763
Description:
Standardised statewide policy for use of intravenous potassium chloride in response to the National Medication Safety “Alert” regarding the potential risks of intravenous potassium chloride ampoules in general ward areas.
Applicable to:
All clinical areas. Special attention of health service executives; medical, nursing, phamacy and other clinical staff; quality and risk unit staff.
Category:
Clinical
Period of Effect:
from 29 June 2005
Authorised By:
Dr Dorothy Jones, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, 14-Jul-2005
Further Information:
refer to Acrobat version
Acrobat Version:
[39KB]
Print Version:
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Subject Terms:
Drug Administration and Dosage • Drug Storage • Policy
Policy for use of intravenous potassium chloride
In response to the National Medication Safety Alert issued in December 20031
Health Service Managers and Clinical Directors are advised to bring this Circular to the attention of all medical, pharmacy and nursing staff, and to be fully accountable for the comprehensive and prompt implementation of this policy within their jurisdiction, and any change management that this entails.
The policy document was developed by an expert working group of the WA Medication Safety Group (WAMSG) and has been endorsed by the WA Therapeutics Advisory Group (WATAG). WAMSG recommends that this policy be implemented at each hospital under the authority of the most senior hospital executive, with practical implementation occurring under the direction of a project leader working in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective and safe transition at each site. Implementation of this policy will be subject to a follow-up audit.
The purpose of this policy is to reduce life-threatening patient harm associated with the use intravenous potassium solutions. Within the policy document, mandatory items are shown in bold typeface. Items in normal font should not be regarded as unimportant and their expeditious implementation is strongly recommended. The policy specifies the type of intravenous potassium products to be used in Western Australian hospitals, where and how these products must be stored, how they are to be prescribed, the maximum concentrations that should be used and maximum hourly rates to be administered. The policy does not include recommendations on the therapeutic use of potassium.
This policy document provides for the storage of potassium chloride ampoules in critical care areas, but standard pre-mixed solutions should be used whenever possible. Similarly, while ampoules of potassium chloride may be obtained from the pharmacy for infusion of individual patients, the use of standard pre-mixed solutions is strongly encouraged. Each hospital must have additional protocols for potassium supplementation outside the conditions of this policy wherever this is required in areas such as high-dependency or intensive care or invasive sub-specialty care areas.
Dr Dorothy JonesACTING CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
