Final answer:
In a medical setting, healthcare aides typically need to prepare an IV solution by diluting a concentrated stock solution of KCl to achieve the precise concentration ordered by a physician, such as 0.5% for treating hypokalemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a physician orders an intravenous (IV) delivery of 100 mL of 0.5% KCl for a patient suffering from hypokalemia, it is not typical for a healthcare aide to grab a pre-made IV bag with this specific concentration. Instead, the aide would likely need to prepare the IV solution by performing a dilution calculation. This process involves taking a stock solution of KCl that is more concentrated and adding it to a sterile IV bag, then diluting it to achieve the ordered 0.5% concentration. This ensures that the patient receives a precisely calibrated dose administered via IV infusion, which is a preferred route of administration for substances not well absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or when higher plasma levels are needed quickly.