1-16. APPROXIMATE HOUSEHOLD EQUIVALENTS
a. It is often necessary to express the dose of a fluid medication in common
household unit for self-administration by the client. Ratio and proportion principles can
be used to perform these conversions.
HOUSEHOLD MEASURE
APOTHECARY MEASURE
METRIC MEASURE
2 Tablespoonsful
1 fluid ounce (fl.oz., )
30 milliliters (ml.)
1 Tablespoonful (tbsp.)
1/2 fluid ounce (fl. oz. ,
)
15 milliliters (ml.)
1 teaspoonful (tsp.)
1 fluid dram ( )
5 milliliters (ml.)
1/2 teaspoonful
1/2 fluid dram (
)
2.5 milliliters (ml.)
Table 1-10. Approximate household equivalents.
b. Solve the following problem: A client is to receive 30 milliliters of a particular
antacid preparation. Express this volume in tablespoons.
(1) Step 1. Write the conversion factor as your IF ratio:
IF
15 ml
1 Tbsp
(2) Step 2. Write the unknown factor as your THEN ratio:
THEN
30 ml
X Tbsp
(3) Step 3. Solve for the unknown as in any ratio and proportion problem.
IF
15 ml THEN
30 ml
1 Tbsp =
X Tbsp
15 X = 1 30
15X
30
=
15
15
X
= 2 Tbsp (answer)
MD0913
1-16