Term
Symbols used in the metric System
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Unit
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Symbol
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Weight Smallest to Largest)
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Microgram
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µg (or mcg)
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Milligram
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Mg
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Gram
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G (or gm)
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Kilogram
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Kg
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Volume (smallest to Largest)
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Milliliter
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mL
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Decliliter
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dL
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Liter
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L
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Definition
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Term
Metric Units and their Equivalents
Cubic Centimeters (cc) is a unit also used to represent milliliters (mL); therefore, 1 cc is the same as 1 mL (1cc = 1mL )
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Unit
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Equivalent
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Weight Smallest to Largest)
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1 µg
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0.001 mg
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1 mg
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1,000 µg
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1g
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1,000mg
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1kg
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1,000 g
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Volume (smallest to Largest)
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1 mL
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1 cc*
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100 mL
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1dL
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1,000 mL
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1 L
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Definition
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Term
Volume conversion
Since 1 L equals 1,000 mL, simply divide or multiply by 1,000 or move the decimal point 3 places to the left or right
Example 1
Converting 100 mL to L
100 mL ÷ 1,000 L = .01 L
Example 2
Converting 1.5 L to mL
1.5 L X 1,000 = 1,000 mL times) |
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Definition
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Term
Weight Conversion
Converting weight from g to mg is simply a matter of multiplying or dividing by 1,000 or moving the decimal point 3 places to the right or left.
Example 1
Converting 2 g to mg
2 g X 1,000 = 2,000 mg
Example 2
Converting 250 mg to g
250 mg ÷ 1,000 = 0.25
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Definition
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Term
Converting Lbs to kg
Formula: Divide the patient's wieght in Lbs by 2.2 (1kg = 2.2 Lbs)
or
Divide the patient's weight in Lbs by 2, then subtract it by 10%
170 lb ÷ 2.2 = 77. kg
or
170 lb ÷ 2 = 85 lb
10% of 85 = 8.5
(85 X .10)
85 lb - 8.5 = 76.5 kg
(round up)
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Definition
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Term
Calculating Drip Rates
To calculate a drip rate, you need to know:
- Which Administration set to use
- length of time for the infusion
- amount to flow
Formula:
(Volume in mL) X (Drip set) = gtt
Time in minutes = min
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Definition
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