Potassium Replacement Calculator (Route Safety Check)
Calculate KCL infusion rates and deficits with automated safety caps for peripheral vs. central venous lines.
About
Hypokalemia management requires balancing rapid correction with patient safety. Aggressive potassium replacement can cause life-threatening arrhythmias or severe phlebitis if the infusion rate exceeds the capacity of the venous access.
This calculator estimates the total potassium deficit based on serum levels and generates an infusion protocol. Its primary safety feature is the Route Safety Check: it strictly enforces the 10 mEq/hr limit for peripheral lines (Standard of Care) while allowing higher rates for central lines under cardiac monitoring, reducing the risk of medical error.
Formulas
The estimated potassium deficit uses the empirical rule that for every 0.3 mmol/L decrease in serum K+ below 4.0, the total body deficit is approximately 100 mEq.
Infusion time t is determined by the route-limited maximal rate Rmax:
Reference Data
| Serum K+ (mmol/L) | Est. Deficit (mEq) | Recommended Action | Max Peripheral Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 - 3.9 | 20 - 40 | Oral replacement preferred | N/A |
| 3.3 - 3.6 | 40 - 80 | IV or PO replacement | 10 mEq/hr |
| 3.0 - 3.2 | 80 - 120 | IV replacement required | 10 mEq/hr |
| < 3.0 | > 150 | IV (Central Line preferred) | 10 mEq/hr |