To provide stepwise guidance for additions to maintenance fluid
Nursing & medical staff involved in the preparation and administration of intravenous infusions
Plasmalyte 148 and Plasmalyte 148 + 5% glucose both contain 5mmols potassium per litre. Studies have shown that this amount of potassium is sufficient to maintain normal blood potassium levels in most patients. If extra potassium is needed only prescribe plasmalyte 148 and 15mmols KCl and make up as described below (this will in effect result in a solution that contains 20mmol potassium per litre).
To avoid error in prescription and making up of the fluids, the groups’ guidance would be that only two strengths of plasmalyte 148 with potassium should be prescribed:
For a plasmalyte 148 + 10% glucose, the prescription should state that 125mls 50% glucose be added to a 1L bag of plasmalyte 148 +5% glucose.
Samples of how the additives label be written are shown below.
To a one litre (1L) bag of Plasmalyte 148 + 5% glucose, add 125mls of 50% glucose % (125 grams of glucose in 1125mL)
To ensure that the additive is fully mixed in to the fluid solution, please roll/shake/invert the bag a number of times
To a one litre bag of Plasmalyte 148, add 15mmol KCl (ie 7.5mls 15%w/v potassium chloride solution)a
To ensure that the additive is fully mixed in to the fluid solution, please roll/shake/invert the bag a number of times.
Notes
Last reviewed: 17 January 2024
Next review: 31 January 2024
Author(s): Dr A Shah & Dr G Bell
Version: 2