Explanation
•Potassium chloride should be administered at a rate of 10 mEq per hour when using a peripheral I.V. (20 mEq per hour with a central line) to reduce injection site irritation.
•Potassium administered at a rate exceeding 40 mEq per hour may result in lethal arrhythmias.
•Central venous access is not needed, but preferred.
•Lidocaine should only be given I.V. to treat lethal ventricular arrhythmias.