A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client. Which of the following medication instructions should the nurse identify as being prescribed using a metric unit?
A.
Take 1 tsp four times daily
B.
Take 0.5 oz 30 min before meals and at bedtime.
C.
Take 2 drops four times daily
D.
Take 15 mL 1 hr after meals and at bedtime
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. Take 15 mL 1 hr after meals and at bedtime.
Explanation
When reviewing medication instructions, it’s important to identify the units of measurement used. Metric units are part of the International System of Units (SI) and are commonly used in healthcare for their precision and ease of conversion. Metric units include liters (L), milliliters (mL), grams (g), and milligrams (mg), among others.
A. Take 1 tsp four times daily
A teaspoon (tsp) is a unit of measurement in the US customary system, not the metric system. It is equivalent to approximately 4.93 mL, but it is not a metric unit itself.
B. Take 0.5 oz 30 min before meals and at bedtime
An ounce (oz) is also a unit of measurement in the US customary system, not the metric system. One ounce is approximately 29.57 mL. Although this can be converted to metric units, the instruction itself uses a non-metric unit.
C. Take 2 drops four times daily
Drops are a measure of volume but are not typically expressed in metric units. The exact volume of a drop can vary depending on the liquid and dropper used. It is not specified in milliliters (mL), which are standard metric units.
D. Take 15 mL 1 hr after meals and at bedtime
Milliliters (mL) are a metric unit of volume. This instruction uses milliliters to specify the dosage, making it a metric measurement.
In healthcare, using metric units like milliliters helps ensure accuracy and consistency in medication dosing, which is crucial for patient safety. Metric units are standardized and easier to convert, making them preferable in medical settings where precise measurements are necessary.