One tsp is equal to how many macro drops?

DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Nursing Foundation

Hard

Appeared in: DSSSB Public Health Nurse - 2015

Explanation

The first step is to convert the household measure (teaspoon) to the metric system. One teaspoon (tsp) is equivalent to 5 mL.
The second step is to calculate the total number of drops. The question specifies 'macro drops'. Macrodrip IV sets have variable drop factors, commonly 10, 15, or 20 drops/mL (gtt/mL).
Using a standard macrodrip factor of 15 gtt/mL, the calculation is: 5 mL × 15 gtt/mL = 75 drops.
Therefore, one teaspoon is equal to 75 macro drops, assuming a 15 gtt/mL administration set.

Option A: 15 is a common drop factor (15 gtt/mL) for a macrodrip set, but it is not the total number of drops in 5 mL (1 tsp). This option confuses the rate with the total quantity.
Option B: 60 is the standard drop factor for a microdrip set (60 gtt/mL), not a macrodrip set. This is a common distractor.
Option D: 30 does not correspond to a standard conversion or calculation involving common teaspoon volumes and IV drip factors.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain IV drip rate calculation and conversion between household and metric units as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The most critical nursing responsibility in IV therapy is to ensure the correct dose is administered at the correct rate. This requires knowing the specific drop factor of the equipment being used.
Macrodrip sets are used for routine infusions and rapid fluid replacement in adults, while microdrip sets are essential for pediatric patients, the elderly, and for potent medications requiring precise, low-volume infusion.
What if the patient was a neonate? For a neonate, a nurse would never use a macrodrip set. A microdrip set (60 gtt/mL) administered via a volumetric infusion pump would be mandatory to prevent fluid overload and ensure precise dosage.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the units that need to be converted. The question asks to convert 'teaspoon' to 'macro drops'.
Recall or look up the standard medical conversion for the initial unit. Here, 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 mL.
Identify the key term 'macro drops'. Recall that macrodrip sets have variable drop factors (usually 10, 15, or 20 gtt/mL).
In the absence of a specified drop factor, use the most common or a standard factor provided in textbooks for calculation, which is often 15 gtt/mL.
Perform the calculation: Multiply the volume in mL by the drop factor (5 mL × 15 gtt/mL).
Compare the result (75) with the given options to select the correct answer. Evaluate other options as potential distractors (e.g., confusing drop factor with total drops, or microdrip with macrodrip).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: IV drip rate calculation and conversion between household and metric units.
Stem keywords: tsp, macro drops, equal to
Lead-in keywords: how many

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