1. Conversions: Metric and Household Systems
Chapter 4
MAT 119

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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

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

8. 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

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