Five teaspoons is equivalent to how many milliliters (ml)?

Appeared in: DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Explanation

The universally accepted conversion in medicine is that 1 teaspoon (tsp) is equal to 5 milliliters (ml).
To find the equivalent of five teaspoons, the number of teaspoons is multiplied by the conversion factor.
The correct calculation is: 5 tsp × 5 ml/tsp = 25 ml.

Option A: 30 ml is equivalent to 6 teaspoons (6 tsp × 5 ml/tsp), not 5 teaspoons.
Option C: This is a random, incorrect value. It does not represent a standard conversion.
Option D: This is a random, incorrect value. It does not represent a standard conversion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medication Calculation: Household to Metric Conversion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate dose calculation is a fundamental safety measure and a key component of the 'Rights of Medication Administration,' specifically the 'Right Dose'.
Nurses must educate patients and caregivers to always use calibrated measuring devices (like oral syringes, droppers, or medicine cups) and never use household kitchen spoons, which are not standardized and can lead to significant dosing errors.
What if the order was for 5 tablespoons? The answer would be 75 ml. A tablespoon (tbsp) is 15 ml (1 tbsp = 3 tsp; 3 × 5 ml = 15 ml). Therefore, 5 tbsp × 15 ml/tbsp = 75 ml.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core task of the question, which is to convert a household unit (teaspoons) to a metric unit (milliliters).
Next, recall the standard conversion factor used in all medical and pharmaceutical settings: 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 milliliters (ml).
Set up the mathematical calculation: Multiply the given number of teaspoons (5) by the conversion factor (5 ml per teaspoon).
Solve the equation: 5 × 5 = 25.
Finally, compare your calculated result (25 ml) with the given options and select the one that matches.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QNfE82YHYKohAMkHFjTml6

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 140-142

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 848-850

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