What should a nurse do prior to administering potassium chloride elixir?

Checking renal function is critically important prior to administering potassium chloride elixir, as the kidneys play a vital role in regulating potassium levels in the body. Potassium is primarily excreted through the kidneys, and if a patient has impaired renal function, administering potassium chloride can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by elevated potassium levels in the blood. This can have serious, potentially life-threatening consequences, including cardiac complications.

By assessing renal function—typically through laboratory tests that measure serum creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)—the nurse can determine whether the patient can safely handle the additional potassium from the elixir. This precaution helps ensure patient safety and effective management of electrolyte balance. Other options, while they may have relevance in different scenarios, do not directly address the immediate risk of administering potassium chloride and its effects on renal function.