Conversions: Metric and Household Systems Chapter 4 MAT 119

Objectives Recall from memory the metric and household approximate equivalents. Convert among units of measurement within the same system. Convert units of measurement from one system to another.

Introduction Medications are usually prescribed or ordered in a unit of weight measurement such as grams or milligrams. The nurse must interpret this order and administer the correct number of tablets, capsules, teaspoons, milliliters, or other unit of volume or capacity measurement to deliver the prescribed amount of medication.

Conversion Slide Use this diagram when converting dosages within the metric system Move the decimal place three places for each step! kg g mg mcg

Common Conversions Weight: 1 kg = 2.2 lbs 1 lb = 16 oz Length: 1 inch = 2.54 cm For weight and height ALWAYS round to the tenths if there is a whole number and hundredths if there is no whole number!

Volume: 5 mL = 1t 15 mL = 3t = 1T 30 mL = 6t = 2T = 1 fl oz 240mL = 1 cup = 8 fl oz 480 mL = 2 cups = 1 pint = 16 fl oz 1000 mL (1 L) = 4 cups = 1 qt = 32 fl oz

Problems Convert the following: 2t ____mL 30 mL ____T ½ oz ____mL ½ c _____oz ____mL 24 oz _____mL 1.5L_______mL

22 in ____cm 65 in ____cm 156 cm ____in 84.5 cm ____in 25 kg _____lb 3500 g ______kg 185.6 lb _____kg 59.5 kg _____lb 1.2 kg ______g

Problems 25mg _______mcg 125 mcg _______mg 5g ________mg 0.125mcg _______g 37.5mg _______g