Final answer:
In cases of hypokalemia, healthcare providers must often prepare a specific concentration of KCl IV solution by performing a dilution calculation rather than using a pre-mixed IV bag.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia, a condition characterized by low potassium levels, healthcare professionals may be required to administer potassium chloride (KCl) intravenously. However, it is not common for a medical aide to simply retrieve a pre-mixed IV bag with the specifically ordered concentration from a supply cabinet. Instead, they typically need to prepare the solution by performing a dilution calculation.
Creating the proper IV solution involves utilizing a sterile stock solution of KCl that is more concentrated than the desired final concentration. The aide must use a syringe to draw the correct volume of this stock solution and then inject it into a sterile IV bag filled with a diluent, such as saline or dextrose water, to achieve the prescribed concentration of 0.5% KCl over 100 mL.
The necessity to manually prepare IV solutions ensures that each patient receives an IV dose tailored to their specific needs while also maintaining the integrity of the medication by avoiding exposure to air and water, as potassium is highly reactive and stored carefully in healthcare settings.