The Confusion Between Intravenous Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride: A Potential Application for a Problem Based Learning (PBL) in Nursing Education to Minimize Medication Errors

Abstract

Sodium chloride and potassium chloride are two metal halides easily distinguishable by chemistry students. Nevertheless, it has been shown that the confusion between sodium chloride and potassium chloride is the underlaying cause of serious medical mistakes that may potentially culminate with the death of the patient. In the present literature review, a qualitative approach is used to examine relevant teaching practices, such as a problem base learning (PBL) approach that could be integrated in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum for nursing students to minimize the confusion between the two chemicals.