Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology Student: _________________________ Block:___________

COLLEGE OF NURSING

PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT

DRUG STUDY

Brand Name: _________Veltassa____________ Generic Name: ______Patiromer sorbitex calcium______ Drug Classification: ___Cation exchange polymers _________

Dosage, Route & Frequency Drug-Drug & Drug- Side Effects Adverse Reactions
Drug Action Indications Contraindications
Recommended Prescribed Food Interactions (By System) (By System)
Oral powder: 8.4-g, Patiromer is a non- Drug Interactions: Veltassa is indicated Veltassa is  Gastrointestinal  Constipation
16.8-g, 25.2-g absorbed, cation In clinical studies, for the treatment of contraindicated in Common (1% to  Hypomagnesemia
packets exchange polymer Veltassa decreased hyperkalemia. patients with a history 10%): Constipati  Diarrhea
that contains a systemic exposure of of a hypersensitivity on, diarrhea,  Nausea
calcium-sorbitol some coadministered reaction to Veltassa nausea,  Abdominal
counterion. It oral medications. abdominal discomfort
increases fecal Binding of Veltassa to discomfort, flatule  Flatulence
potassium excretion other oral medications nce
through binding of could cause Uncommon (0.1
potassium in the decreased % to 1%):
lumen of the gastrointestinal Vomiting
gastrointestinal tract. absorption and loss of  Hypersensitivity
Binding of potassium efficacy when taken Uncommon
reduces the close to the time (0.1% to 1%):
concentration of free Veltassa is Edema of the lips
potassium in the administered.  Metabolic
gastrointestinal Administer other oral Common (1% to
lumen, resulting in a medications at least 3 10%):
reduction of serum hours before or 3 Hypomagnesemia
potassium levels. hours after Veltassa. , hypokalemia
 Other
Pharmacokinetics:
Common (1% to
Absorption:
10%):
Distributed throughout
Approximately
the intestine but is
4.7% of patients in
non-absorbable
clinical trials
Distribution: Unkown
developed
Metabolism and
hypokalemia with
Excretion: eliminated
 in the feces a serum
Half-life: Unknown potassium value
less than 3.5
mEq/L.
Approximately 9%
of patients in
clinical trials
developed
hypomagnesemia
with a serum
magnesium value
less than 1.4
mg/dL.

Responsibilities in the Nursing Process (ADPIE) Responsibilities in the Nursing Process (ADPIE)
Assessment Nursing Interventions
■ Assess for signs and symptoms of potassium imbalance. Symptoms of hypokalemia include ■ Give oral potassium with sufficient amount of water or juice (at least 3 to 8 oz) and with meals.
nausea, vomiting, polyuria, cardiac dysrhythmias, abdominal distention, and soft, flabby Potassium is extremely irritating to the gastric mucosa.
muscles. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include oliguria, nausea, abdominal cramps, tachycardia ■ Hang IV solutions containing potassium to be infused only with an infusion-control device;
and later bradycardia, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the extremities monitor infusion at least hourly.
■ Assess serum potassium level; normal level is 3.5 to 5.3 mEq/L. Report serum potassium ■ Potassium cannot be given intramuscularly. Potassium should never be given as an IV bolus or
deficit or excess to the health care provider. push. Giving IV potassium directly into the vein causes cardiac dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
■ Obtain baseline vital signs and ECG readings. Report abnormal findings. Vital signs and ECG ■ Check amount of urine output. Potassium accumulation occurs if patient is receiving potassium
results can be compared with future readings and urine output is <25 mL/h or <600 mL/d. Remember: 80% to 90% of potassium is excreted in
■ Check patient for signs and symptoms of digitalis toxicity when receiving a digitalis preparation the urine. Reportresults to the health care provider.
and a potassium-wasting diuretic or a cortisone preparation. Decreased serum potassium level ■ Monitor serial potassium levels frequently as well as serum creatinine, BUN, glucose,
enhances the action of digitalis, increasing the likelihood of digitalis toxicity. Signs and symptoms electrolytes, and arterial blood gases. Report abnormal results to health care provider.
of digitalis toxicity are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bradycardia (pulse rate) ■ Monitor ECG. With hypokalemia, there is a flat or inverted T wave, a depressed ST segment,
Nursing Diagnoses and a prolonged QT interval. With hyperkalemia, there is a narrow and peaked T wave,widened
■ Deficient knowledge related to inadequate knowledge of medications and foods affecting QRS complex, prolonged PR interval, flattened or absent T waves, and depressed ST segment.
potassium levels ■ Monitor patient’s response to activity, and plan frequent rest periods due to muscle weakness
■ Risk for decreased cardiac output related to excess serum potassium associated with potassium imbalances.
■ Activity intolerance related to muscle weakness ■ Check IV site for infiltration if patient is receiving IV potassium. Potassium can cause
Planning extravasation and tissue necrosis if it infiltrates into subcutaneous tissue. Discontinue IV
■ Patient’s serum potassium level will be within normal range. immediately if infiltration occurs.
■ Patient will verbalize understanding of the potassium imbalance and state methods to Evaluation
decrease recurrence. Patient with hypokalemia will eat potassium-rich foods. Patient with ■ Evaluate patient’s serum potassium level and ECG. Cardiac rhythm should return to patient’s
hyperkalemia will avoid potassium-rich foods normal baseline without dysrhythmias. Serum potassium level remains within normal range.
Report to the health care provider if the level remains abnormal. Potassium replacements and
diet may need modification.