21. A prescription is written for azithromycin 200 mg/5 mL with directions to take 1.5 tsp on day one, then 3/4 tsp on days two through five. What is the minimum volume of medication, in mL, that must be dispensed?
Answer: C
The minimum volume of medication that must be dispensed is 22.5 mL.
To determine the minimum volume of medication to be dispensed, we first convert the teaspoon measurements to milliliters. The total required volume for the prescribed dosage over the course of five days is calculated to be 22.5 mL.
A) 15
Option A is incorrect because 15 mL does not account for the total dosage required over the prescribed five days. The calculations show that more medication is necessary to fulfill the prescribed amounts.
B) 17.5
Option B is also incorrect as it underestimates the total volume needed. The sum of the dosages, when converted to milliliters, exceeds 17.5 mL, indicating that this quantity is insufficient for the prescription.
C) 22.5
Option C is correct. The prescribed dosage includes 1.5 teaspoons on day one and 3/4 teaspoon for each of the next four days. When these amounts are converted into milliliters, the total equals 22.5 mL, which is the minimum volume to be dispensed.
D) 30
Option D is incorrect since 30 mL exceeds the calculated requirement for the given prescription. While it is more than sufficient, it does not represent the minimum volume that is necessary, which is 22.5 mL.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer is 22.5 mL, as this is the exact amount needed to meet the total dosage requirements outlined in the prescription. Options A, B, and D either fall short or exceed the necessary volume, confirming that they are not suitable choices.