If there are 30 mg in a teaspoonful of liquid medication, how many grams are in 5 fl oz of the medication?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: 0.9 grams
To determine how many grams are in 5 fluid ounces (fl oz) of liquid medication when there are 30 milligrams (mg) in a teaspoonful, we first need to convert fluid ounces to teaspoons and then calculate the total amount in grams.
Step 1: Convert fluid ounces to teaspoons
There are 6 teaspoons in 1 fluid ounce. Therefore, to convert 5 fluid ounces to teaspoons, we multiply:
[
5 \, \text{fl oz} \times 6 \, \text{teaspoons/fl oz} = 30 \, \text{teaspoons}
]
Step 2: Calculate the total milligrams in 30 teaspoons
Since each teaspoon contains 30 mg of the medication, we can find the total milligrams in 30 teaspoons:
[
30 \, \text{teaspoons} \times 30 \, \text{mg/teaspoon} = 900 \, \text{mg}
]
Step 3: Convert milligrams to grams
To convert milligrams to grams, we divide by 1,000, as there are 1,000 mg in a gram:
[
900 \, \text{mg} \div 1,000 = 0.9 \, \text{grams}
]
Conclusion
Therefore, there are 0.9 grams of the medication in 5 fluid ounces.
Explanation
Understanding these conversions is crucial in medication administration, especially in healthcare settings. Dosage calculations ensure patients receive the correct amount of medication. It’s essential to be familiar with common volume and weight conversions, particularly since medications often have varying concentrations and dosage forms. Fluid ounces and teaspoons are frequently used in liquid medications, and knowing how to convert between them helps prevent dosing errors. For example, if a patient requires a specific amount of medication based on their weight or condition, precise calculations help achieve therapeutic outcomes while minimizing risks of overdose or underdose. Thus, being proficient in these conversions supports safe and effective patient care.