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Sodium, potassium and fluids

A practice question in the style of the PLAB 1 exam. Choose your answer to see the explanation.

A 52-year-old with a potassium of 2.4 mmol/L and U waves on the ECG needs intravenous potassium on a general ward. What is the maximum rate?

1. A40 mmol/hour, as a slow bolus
2. B100 mmol/hour, through a peripheral cannula
3. C20 mmol/hour, in the first hour
4. D10 mmol/hour, from a premixed bag
5. E2 mmol/hour, with no cardiac monitoring

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