Extravasation of Concentrated Potassium Chloride: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: The extravasation of potassium chloride will cause serious harm, especially if it is not diagnosed or treated promptly. Objective:to report the clinical course of a patient who was suffering a potassium extravasation and to discuss steps that can be done to decrease the chances of this event from occurring in other patients. METHODS: After discontinuation of infusion device and withdrawal of intravenous catheter, wet packing with magnesium sulfate and local injection of papaverine and lidocaine were applied. RESULTS: After 11 days, the extravasation injury had recovered. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid a repeat of such an adverse event, proper sites for administering, accurate dilution of potassium chloride solutions, close observation, and increased awareness of trained personnel of extravasation dangers are vital. Once extravasation occurs, timely wet application with magnesium sulfate and local injection of papaverine and lidocaine may have been useful in producing a favorable recovery.