A child is admitted to the hospital with diarrhea and vomiting. Potassium chloride is prescribed for inclusion with rehydration IV fluids. Prior to administering the potassium, the nurse should ensure that which condition exists?

A. Absence of cardiac arrhythmias is important for monitoring during potassium therapy but is not the primary condition to verify before administration. B. Oxygen saturation above 95% reflects adequate oxygenation but does not indicate whether the body can safely excrete potassium. C. Cessation of vomiting is not a requirement before giving IV potassium; vomiting affects oral medication tolerance, not IV administration safety. D. Ability to void confirms kidney function, which is essential before giving potassium. If the kidneys are not functioning, potassium can accumulate rapidly, causing life-threatening hyperkalemia.