I was also given potassium spplement when I was hospitalized for the
flu back in Feb. of this year. My potassium was *zip* the night I was
admitted. I was on IV fluids for this and to hydrate as well for the 3
days I was in there.
I was sent home with some as well and told to take them for the next 10
days.
I agree they are quite large. I made a comment to the nurse when she
brought them to me after the first day or so that I was in...She broke
them in half for me and I took them that way.
The bottle that I've got here says "take this medication with  food"
I remember when I was in the hospital that I couldn't eat because I was
so sick. I only was taking in soft foods and liquids, such as jello,
7-up etc.
I remember them making me sick to my stomach as a result of not being
able to eat solid foods at the point.

I know when I was back home and being able to eat, things went much
better. I know it's extremely important to get the potassium level up.
My mother was in the hospital last year with aq very low potassium and
they thought it was a heart attack, because those levels were low.
Thank God it was not a heart attack and she was able to go home. I hope
this helps abit. Do post and let us know how it's going.....
Take care there/God bless
annie

No Potassium patch, Annie is right that KCL can upset the stomach.
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2300/2333.asp

There is a slow release KCL pill, that is tolerated well in the GI system,
the issue it is a big pill.