Question

The prescriber orders 2 ounces of a liquid medication for a client. How many tablespoons should the client take? ______ tbs

Short answer

4 tablespoons.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Units Conversion

We need to convert ounces to tablespoons. Knowing the conversion factor between these units of measurement is crucial for solving the problem. It is helpful to remember that 1 ounce is equivalent to 2 tablespoons.

Set Up the Conversion Equation

To convert ounces to tablespoons, we use the conversion factor from step 1. The equation to convert ounces to tablespoons is:\[ \text{tablespoons} = \text{ounces} \times \frac{\text{tablespoons}}{\text{ounce}} \]Substituting the known values gives:\[ \text{tablespoons} = 2 \times 2 \]

Perform the Calculation

Now, we perform the multiplication to determine the number of tablespoons. Calculate:\[ 2 \times 2 = 4 \]

State the Answer

From the calculation, we find that 2 ounces of liquid medication is equivalent to 4 tablespoons. Hence, the client should take 4 tablespoons of the medication.

Key concepts

Measurement units

Measurement units are standards used to quantify a physical quantity, such as length, mass, or volume. They are essential for expressing the amount of a substance, and for clear communication in science, engineering, and daily life. In our daily routines, various measurement systems are used. The metric system is prevalent around the world while the imperial system is more commonly used in the United States.
In this exercise, we deal with the imperial measurement units "ounces" and "tablespoons." These units measure volume, particularly in contexts like cooking or dosing liquid medications. Understanding the measurement units properly ensures the accuracy of conversions and calculations.
It's important to know that different unit conversions rely on specific conversion factors, which we'll discuss next.

Ounces to Tablespoons

When converting ounces to tablespoons, we are making a transformation between two different volume measurement units. An ounce is a larger unit compared to a tablespoon. Specifically, in the context of volume, one ounce is equal to two tablespoons.
This means:

• 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons
• 2 ounces = 4 tablespoons
• When doubling the ounces, the tablespoons double as well.

Such conversions are particularly useful when both units are used in everyday contexts such as recipes or medication dosages. Although it seems straightforward, errors can occur if the conversion factor isn't accurately applied.
Knowing the basic conversion between ounces and tablespoons is a quick way to correctly adjust measurements without needing a calculator each time.

Conversion factor

In unit conversion, the conversion factor plays a key role. It is a multiplier used to transform a measurement from one unit to another. The conversion factor between ounces and tablespoons is specifically 2, as each ounce equals two tablespoons.
When working with conversions, the process involves setting up an equation that uses this conversion factor to calculate the equivalent value in the target unit. In our exercise:

• Conversion equation: \[ \text{tablespoons} = \text{ounces} \times \frac{\text{tablespoons}}{\text{ounce}} \]
• For 2 ounces: \[ \text{tablespoons} = 2 \times 2 = 4 \]

The conversion factor is crucial because it serves as the bridge between different units. Incorrect conversion factors can lead to significant errors, especially in contexts where precise measurements are important, like in medicine or cooking.