High-alert medications should be administered via infusion pump; which is an example?

• A. Potassium
• B. Insulin
• C. Heparin
• D. Narcotics

Answer: (A)

High-alert medications require safeguards to prevent harm, with infusion pumps used to control dose and rate precisely. Potassium chloride stands out as a classic example because IV potassium has a very narrow therapeutic window; delivering it too quickly or in too high a concentration can cause life-threatening cardiac events and tissue damage. Using an infusion pump ensures accurate rate, proper dilution, and adherence to safety protocols, reducing the risk of rapid administration. While other high-alert meds (like insulin, heparin, or certain narcotics) may also require pumps in many settings, IV potassium is the quintessential medication where infusion pump use is essential to prevent dangerous complications.