36. 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 calculate the total dosage for the five days based on the prescribed amounts. On day one, the patient takes 1.5 teaspoons, and on days two through five, the patient takes 3/4 teaspoon each day.
A) 15
This option is incorrect because it underestimates the total volume required. The total dosage is not met with just 15 mL, as calculations indicate a greater need based on the prescribed dosages.
B) 17.5
This option is also incorrect. While it is closer than option A, 17.5 mL does not account for the full daily dosages as prescribed and fails to meet the calculated requirement for the complete treatment.
C) 22.5
This is the correct answer. On day one, the patient takes 1.5 teaspoons, which equals 7.5 mL, and for days two through five, 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 mL) is taken for four days, totaling 15 mL. Adding these amounts gives a total of 22.5 mL, which is the minimum volume that must be dispensed.
D) 30
This option is incorrect as it exceeds the calculated requirement. Dispensing 30 mL would provide more medication than necessary for the prescribed course, leading to unnecessary surplus.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 22.5 mL, as it accurately reflects the total dosage required for effective treatment over the prescribed days. All other options fail to meet the total calculated requirement, either by underestimating or overestimating the volume needed for the patient's prescription.