Question 63

6 tsp of a 20 mEq/15 mL solution would deliver a dose of 40 mEq.

To determine the volume needed to deliver a dose of 40 mEq, we first recognize that the solution concentration is 20 mEq in 15 mL. By setting up a proportion, we find that 6 tsp of this solution will provide the required dose.

A) 2

This option is incorrect because 2 tsp would deliver significantly less than the required 40 mEq. Since the concentration is 20 mEq per 15 mL, 2 tsp (which is approximately 10 mL) would yield about 13.33 mEq, falling short of the needed dose.

B) 6

This option is correct. When calculating the volume needed to obtain 40 mEq from a solution of 20 mEq/15 mL, we find that 6 tsp (approximately 30 mL) will exactly provide the required 40 mEq dose. This is derived from the direct proportionality of the mEq concentration in the solution.

C) 30

This option is incorrect as 30 tsp would represent an excessively large volume, delivering far more than the required 40 mEq. The unit conversion from tsp to mL shows that this would exceed typical dosing limits and is not relevant to the question.

D) 40

This option is also incorrect because 40 tsp would yield an impractical volume for the dosage, delivering far more than the necessary 40 mEq. Given the concentration of the solution, this amount is not feasible for administering the intended dose.

Conclusion

The correct answer of 6 tsp is the only option that accurately meets the dosing requirement of 40 mEq based on the concentration provided. All other options either underdeliver or significantly overdeliver the required dose, demonstrating their inapplicability in this context.