Final answer:
A dehydrated patient is given an isotonic saline solution intravenously to match body fluid osmolarity. For hypokalemia, a specified concentration of KCl is administered. Intravenous drugs must be isotonic to prevent red blood cell hemolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a dehydrated human patient needs fluids intravenously, they are typically given isotonic saline solution. This solution is formulated to match the osmolarity of the body fluids, which prevents the red blood cells from undergoing hemolysis. If an isotonic solution is not used, there is a risk that red blood cells will be destroyed, as evidenced by an autopsy in which many red blood cells were found to be destroyed after the injection of a solution thought to be isotonic.
In the case where a treatment for hypokalemia is required, a patient might receive an IV delivery of 100 mL of 0.5% KCl. This specific concentration would be supplied to correct low potassium levels. In such scenarios, an aide would retrieve an IV bag containing this concentration of KCl from the supply cabinet as the physician ordered.
For drug administration, it is crucial that intravenous drugs are formulated as isotonic solutions with blood to maintain proper osmolarity and prevent the harmful effect of hemolysis.