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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Fainting After Taking A Potassium IV Injection?

A friend hospitalized with an intestinal obstruction was given a potassium IV. She was standing taking short steps in front of her bed when given the potassioum and as soon as K+ IV infusion started to go into her vein, she felt a terrible pain in her arm and somehow lost consciousness and felt to the floor? What are possible causes for this reaction? Too rapid IV infusion? Too much K+ level? Did she could have possibly have an small infarct?
Fri, 22 Dec 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
IV potassium is administered in cases of hypokalemia. The causes you enlisted are all possible. However based on this history one can't be exactly sure about it. EKG and electrolytes level should be done before administering any further potassium.
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What Causes Fainting After Taking A Potassium IV Injection?

IV potassium is administered in cases of hypokalemia. The causes you enlisted are all possible. However based on this history one can t be exactly sure about it. EKG and electrolytes level should be done before administering any further potassium.