What is the dose and route of calcium chloride in the hyperkalemia treatment protocol?

What is the dose and route of calcium chloride in the hyperkalemia treatment protocol?

• A. 0.5 g IVP
• B. 1 g slow IVP/IO
• C. 2 g IVP
• D. 1 g fast IVP

Answer: (B)

Calcium in hyperkalemia works to stabilize the heart muscle so it doesn’t become dysrhythmic as potassium rises. The protocol uses calcium chloride at 1 gram, given slowly through an IV push or via an IO line. Giving it slowly helps avoid rapid blood pressure changes and skin/tissue irritation because calcium chloride can be a strong irritant if infused too quickly or infiltrates occur. This small, quick-acting dose buys time to move potassium into cells or remove it, while other treatments (like insulin with glucose, beta-agonists, bicarbonate) take effect. The other dosing options don’t align with the protocol because they’re either underdosed, overdosed, or given too rapidly.

Calcium in hyperkalemia works to stabilize the heart muscle so it doesn’t become dysrhythmic as potassium rises. The protocol uses calcium chloride at 1 gram, given slowly through an IV push or via an IO line. Giving it slowly helps avoid rapid blood pressure changes and skin/tissue irritation because calcium chloride can be a strong irritant if infused too quickly or infiltrates occur. This small, quick-acting dose buys time to move potassium into cells or remove it, while other treatments (like insulin with glucose, beta-agonists, bicarbonate) take effect. The other dosing options don’t align with the protocol because they’re either underdosed, overdosed, or given too rapidly.