March 7, 2017 – FearlessRN

Hi FearlessRN Fam!!

Today I will be showing you how to use the Metric Table to answer your dosage calculation problems. First you must be aware that the Dimensional Analysis is used to help you convert and solve the problems. In order to be able to answer the math problems you must have the Metric Table memorized. Trust me, after you’ve memorized it, you will be able to move quickly and adequately.

Click here to see the video and well as gain access to a copy to memorize.

Now that you have your copy of the Metric Table. The next step is learning how to convert through the units to solve each problem. To convert or make a conversion means to change from one unit to another.

To make conversions within the metric system you need to remember the common conversions such as 1 kg=1000 g, 1 g=1000 mg, 1 mg=1000 msg and 1 L= 1000 mL.

*To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, you must divide by moving the decimal three places to the Left.

*To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, you must multiply by moving the decimal three places to the Right.

Here are some examples:

Larger to smaller–> 0.50 g= x mg

Remember the conversion is 1 g= 1000 mg. So how will you solve this problem? Don’t forget when going from a larger unit to smaller unit, you must multiply or move decimal to the right. So 0.50 g will equal 500 mg. (You just moved the decimal over to the right three times)

2) Smaller to larger–> 0.08 g= x kg

Remember the conversion is 1 kg= 1000 g. So keep in mind that you are going from a smaller unit to large, therefore you must divide & move the decimal point three places to the Left. 0.08 g = 80 kg

Once you’ve watched the corresponding video, you will find 40 practice questions linked in the Description box.