Final answer:
To administer a 25 mg dose of theophylline from an elixir containing 80 mg per tablespoon, the student should measure out 4.6875 mL of the elixir.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the conversion of a prescribed medication dosage from milligrams (mg) to milliliters (mL) when given the concentration of the elixir.
First, we need to determine how many mg are in one tablespoon (since 1 tablespoonful = 15 mL) and then calculate the volume required to meet the 25 mg dose ordered by the provider.
To calculate:
- The elixir contains 80 mg per tablespoon.
- 1 tablespoon is equivalent to 15 mL.
- Therefore, 80 mg in 15 mL means there are 80/15 mg per mL.
- To find how many mL are needed for 25 mg: 25 mg divided by (80/15) mg/mL.
The calculation will be:
25 mg / (80 mg/15 mL) = (25 mg × 15 mL) / 80 mg = 4.6875 mL of the elixir.
Thus, the student should administer 4.6875 mL of theophylline elixir to provide the 25 mg dose.