Treating hyperkalemia: avoid additional harm when using insulin and dextrose

Treating hyperkalemia: avoid additional harm when using insulin and dextrose

Collection:
Health Policy and Services Research
Series Title(s):
Pennsylvania patient safety advisory
Author(s):
Lawes, Staley, author
Gaunt, Michael J., author
Grissinger, Matthew, author
Contributor(s):
Pennsylvania. Patient Safety Authority, issuing body.
ECRI (Organization), issuing body.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices, issuing body.
Publication:
[Harrisburg, Pa.] : Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, September 2017
Language(s):
English
Format:
Text
Subject(s):
Hyperkalemia -- drug therapy
Hypoglycemia -- chemically induced
Hypoglycemia -- prevention & control
Medication Errors -- prevention & control
Pennsylvania
United States
Genre(s):
Technical Report
Abstract:
Hyperkalemia is a fairly common, potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance encountered in hospitalized patients. Treatment of hyperkalemia with insulin and dextrose, without implementing clear protocols and error reduction strategies, can lead to hypoglycemia and other patient harm. A total of 198 events involving insulin and dextrose for treating hyperkalemia were identified by analysts in reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2016. The three most commonly reported types of events were delayed dose (n = 42), wrong route (n = 41), and wrong dose/over dosage (n = 15). Hypoglycemic episodes were reported in 57 of 198 patients. Standardized treatment protocols, including proper monitoring, can help prevent and detect errors with insulin administration for this indication.
Copyright:
Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further use of the material is subject to CC BY-NC-DC license. (More information)
Extent:
1 online resource (1 PDF file (11 pages))
Illustrations:
Illustrations
NLM Unique ID:
101715808 (See catalog record)
Permanent Link:
http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101715808