why do you give potassium iv
Potassium chloride can be given orally in less serious situations or by IV in more serious situtations of potassium shortage. When given by IV, potassium chloride cannot be administered via IV push/bolus (or via IM or s.q.), because it would result in the patient receiving too much potassium too quickly; it must be diluted and infused over a certain period of time.