Final answer:
When a patient has a low potassium level, the first nursing intervention includes assessing the patient's condition and confirming lab results. Potassium supplementation may be administered per physician orders, but it is the nurse's responsibility, not a nurse aide's, to prepare and administer IV medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has a potassium level of 3.1, which is considered low (hypokalemia), the first nursing intervention typically involves assessing the patient's overall condition and confirming the lab results. The nurse should check vital signs, review the patient's current medications, any signs of muscle weakness, arrhythmias, or changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Following this initial assessment and under physician orders, the nurse may administer potassium supplementation. In an emergency situation, as described, a physician may order an intravenous (IV) delivery of 100 mL of 0.5% KCl. However, it is not the nurse aide's role to run to the supply cabinet and take out an IV bag containing this concentration of KCl. The preparation and administration of IV medications are typically responsibilities of the registered nurse or another qualified healthcare professional, following the verification of the physician's order.