A client receiving IV potassium chloride (KCl) reports burning at the IV site. What should the nurse do first?

IV POTASSIUM SAFETY — A HIGH-ALERT MEDICATION: KCl is irritating to veins and dangerous if administered incorrectly. BURNING at the site: Slow or stop the infusion; assess for infiltration; KCl is a vein irritant — slower rates and greater dilution reduce burning; consider a central line for higher concentrations;

Never IV push: Concentrated IV potassium push causes immediate fatal cardiac arrest (cardioplegia) — KCl must ALWAYS be diluted and infused slowly.

Administration rules: Maximum peripheral concentration and rate per protocol (typically not exceeding 10 mEq/hour peripherally without cardiac monitoring); always use an infusion pump; never bolus.

Cardiac monitoring: For higher rates or concentrations.

Hyperkalemia risk: Too much/too fast potassium causes hyperkalemia → peaked T waves, widened QRS, fatal dysrhythmias; ASSESS renal function before administration (impaired kidneys can't excrete potassium); LPN role: monitor IV site, infusion rate, never administer KCl IV push, report burning or cardiac symptoms.