North Carolina Medication Aide (Med Tech) Practice Exam

In medication dosing, what does the abbreviation "tsp" refer to?

1. Teaspoonful

2. Tablespoonful

3. Fluid ounce

4. Milliliter

The correct answer is: Teaspoonful

The abbreviation "tsp" is widely recognized to stand for teaspoonful, a common unit of measure in medicine and cooking. This measurement is typically used for smaller doses of liquid medications, particularly when precise dosing is required for the administration of oral medicines. A teaspoonful is equivalent to approximately 5 milliliters, which provides a reference point for understanding medication volumes that might be prescribed or administered. In contrast, the other options refer to different measurements: a tablespoonful, which is larger and equals approximately three teaspoons or about 15 milliliters, fluid ounces, which are larger still and are used to measure volume in a broader range, and milliliters, a metric unit that also represents volume but is not abbreviated as "tsp." Understanding these distinctions is vital for accurate medication administration and adhering to prescribed dosages.