Answer :
Final answer:
The nurse should add 7.5 mL of the available KCl solution to the IV to meet the prescription of 15 mEq of potassium chloride since the available concentration is 2 mEq/mL.
Explanation:
To calculate the amount of Potassium chloride (KCl) needed for the IV solution, the nurse should follow these steps:
1. **Determine the prescribed amount:** The prescription is for 15 mEq of KCl.
2. **Assess the concentration of the available solution:** The KCl solution has a concentration of 2 mEq per mL.
3. **Calculate the volume needed:** Divide the prescribed amount by the concentration (15 mEq ÷ 2 mEq/mL = 7.5 mL).
The nurse should add 7.5 mL of the 40 mEq in 20 mL KCl solution to the 1,000 mL D5W IV bag to achieve the prescribed concentration. This ensures that the infusion rate of 2 mEq/hr is maintained, meeting the requirements of the prescription. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 7.5 mL.
