What does it mean by "work 5 stitches"?

[Namwan]

The pattern :

LEFT FRONT
With smaller needles, cast on 36(40-42-48) sts.
Row 1 (RS): * K1, p1, rep from * to last 2 sts, end k2.
Row 2: * K1, p1, rep from * across. Rep these 2 rows until piece measures 1" from beg, end on Row 1.
Next Row (WS): Work 5 sts and sl these sts onto a holder, p to end – 31(35-37-43) sts. Change to larger needles and work even in St st until piece measures 2" from beg, end on WS.