One tablespoon is equal to...... ml ?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Explanation

The standard medical and culinary conversion for one tablespoon (Tbsp) is 15 milliliters (mL).
This is a fundamental equivalent used in medication dosage calculations and patient instructions.
Knowing this conversion is essential for safely administering liquid medications prescribed in tablespoons or milliliters.

Option A: 5 mL is the standard equivalent for one teaspoon (tsp), not one tablespoon.
Option B: 10 mL is equivalent to two teaspoons (2 tsp). A tablespoon is larger.
Option D: 30 mL is equivalent to two tablespoons (2 Tbsp) or one fluid ounce (fl oz).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Metric and household measurement conversion as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate dosage calculation is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure patient safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Patient education must include instructions to use calibrated measuring devices (oral syringes, medicine cups) instead of household cutlery, as the size of kitchen spoons can vary significantly, leading to dosing errors.
What if? If a patient reports using a 'soup spoon' for their 15 mL dose, the nurse must intervene. A soup spoon can hold 10-15 mL, creating a risk of inconsistent dosing. The nurse should provide an oral syringe and demonstrate its proper use.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing knowledge of standard measurement conversions.
First, identify the two units being compared: tablespoons and milliliters (mL).
Recall the standard conversion factor between these two units.
The established equivalent is 1 tablespoon = 15 mL.
Scan the options to find the number that matches this conversion.
Select the option '15'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QpBTNQj4BorYmh9MuR2LlB

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

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor pp. 1059-1061, 848-850

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.