Final answer:
The recommended infusion rate for potassium chloride is generally not to exceed 10 mEq per hour in adults, with careful preparation of the IV solution from a stock solution to achieve the ordered concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recommended infusion rate for an intermittent infusion of potassium chloride (KCl) depends on various factors including the patient's level of hypokalemia, current potassium level, and overall health status. According to typical infusion guidelines, potassium chloride should be infused at a rate that will not exceed 10 mEq per hour in adults with a maximum concentration of 40 mEq per liter when peripheral lines are used. For central lines, a concentration up to 60 mEq per liter may be used, but the infusion rate should still generally not exceed 10 mEq per hour unless in a closely monitored setting such as intensive care.
It is important that medical personnel prepare the IV solution accurately. If the stock solution is 10.0% KCl, calculations must be performed to ensure the correct dilution to the ordered concentration. For example, to prepare an IV solution with a final concentration of 0.5%, the required volume of the stock solution can be calculated and then diluted to the final volume with sterile water or another suitable diluent.
In the scenario with a physician ordering 100 mL of 0.5% KCl for a patient with hypokalemia, a healthcare aide would not simply grab an IV bag. Instead, the pharmacy department or appropriately trained medical personnel would prepare the correct concentration through calculated dilution from a higher concentration stock solution, ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.