In hypokalemia management, which is appropriate for a stable patient?

• A. Oral potassium
• B. Intravenous potassium chloride
• C. Peritoneal dialysis
• D. Subcutaneous potassium

Answer: (A)

Oral potassium supplementation is the appropriate first-line management for stable hypokalemia. It corrects the deficit gradually and safely without needing IV access, making it practical for outpatient treatment and reducing the risk of rapid potassium shifts that can provoke arrhythmias. This route is well suited when the patient can take oral medicines and has no issues with absorption.

Intravenous potassium chloride is reserved for more urgent situations—severe hypokalemia or when oral replacement isn’t possible. IV dosing must be slow and carefully monitored because rapid administration can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and vein irritation.

Subcutaneous potassium isn’t commonly used due to poor absorption and risk of tissue injury. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, is a dialysis therapy for patients with kidney failure; it’s not a standard method to correct hypokalemia in a stable patient.