Potassium Chloride Solution Concentration Conversion
A solution containing 150 mg potassium chloride per 1 mL equals 2 mEq/mL.
Calculation Method
The conversion is based on the molecular weight and valence of potassium chloride 1:
- Molecular weight of KCl: 74.5 mg/mEq
- Calculation: 150 mg ÷ 74.5 mg/mEq = 2.01 mEq/mL (rounded to 2 mEq/mL)
This represents a highly concentrated potassium solution that requires extreme caution in preparation and administration 2.
Critical Safety Considerations for Pediatric Use
For an 18-month-old child with severe hypokalemia, this concentration is dangerously high and must be diluted before administration 2, 3:
Standard Pediatric Dilution Protocol
- Maximum safe concentration: ≤40 mEq/L (0.04 mEq/mL) for peripheral IV administration 4, 3
- This solution is 50 times more concentrated than the maximum safe peripheral concentration
- Never administer undiluted - concentrated potassium chloride must be removed from clinical areas and stored only in locked cupboards in critical care settings 5
Recommended Approach for Severe Pediatric Hypokalemia
If the child has severe hypokalemia with ECG changes 4, 3:
- Initial bolus: 0.25 mEq/kg IV over 30 minutes (diluted to ≤40 mEq/L concentration) 4
- Continuous infusion: 0.25 mEq/kg/hour with continuous cardiac monitoring 4, 3
- Verify adequate urine output (≥0.5 mL/kg/hour) before starting potassium replacement 4
- Check and correct magnesium first (target >0.6 mmol/L), as hypomagnesemia makes hypokalemia resistant to correction 4
Critical Safety Measures
- Institute double-check policy for all potassium administration 5
- Use pre-prepared IV infusions containing potassium when available 5
- Continuous cardiac monitoring is mandatory during rapid correction 4, 3
- Recheck potassium levels within 1-2 hours after initial bolus 4
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Never use this 2 mEq/mL concentration directly for IV administration - accidental bolus administration of concentrated potassium can cause cardiac arrest 2, 6. The solution must be diluted at least 50-fold before peripheral IV use 3.