Reviewing Irene's potassium replacement order
RN OSCE practice station

The task

Irene Watts, 60, is on a surgical ward with a new intravenous fluid order for potassium replacement after diarrhoea. Check the order, the product and the patient, and act on your findings. Dr Taylor Singh is reachable by phone and RN Alex Morgan is on the ward. Document your actions in the blue folder.

What this station tests

• An independent check cannot substitute for a complete prescription.
• Use a prescribed premixed potassium product; never improvise an IV push.
• Renal function, urine output and monitoring need review before potassium delivery.

Sources for the clinical content

• ACSQHC: High risk medicines and systems
• ACSQHC: Management of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Clinical Care Standard
• ACSQHC: Medication Safety Standard

An original practice scenario with invented patients. Not an exam question.

Practise next

• Checking a maintenance fluid prescription
• Pain and swelling at an infusion site
• New breathlessness during residential IV therapy
• A pump setting that differs from the home order
• A short prescribed infusion in a GP clinic