DOSAGE CALCULATIONS

Measures of volume, weight, and common conversions include: $1\text{ cc} = 1\text{ mL}$,

$1\text{ teaspoon (TSP)} = 5\text{ mL}$,

$1\text{ tablespoon (TBSP)} = 15\text{ mL}$,

$1\text{ ounce (OZ)} = 30\text{ mL}$, and

$2.2\text{ pounds (LB)} = 1\text{ kilogram (KG)}$. Other general conversions are $16\text{ fluid ounces} = 1\text{ pint (PT)}$,

$2\text{ pints} = 1\text{ quart (QT)}$, $4\text{ quarts} = 1\text{ gallon (GAL)}$, and

$16\text{ ounces} = 1\text{ pound (LB)}$. The metric system is the most commonly used system of measurement in medication administration due to its simplicity, accuracy, and consistency. Rules for converting within the metric system:

1. To convert from a larger unit to a smaller unit, move the decimal point to the right (multiplying).

2. To convert from a smaller unit to a larger unit, move the decimal point to the left (dividing). For metric units, common conversions are: $1\text{ kilogram (KG)} = 1000\text{ grams (G)}$,

$1\text{ gram (G)} = 1000\text{ milligrams (MG)}$,

$1\text{ milligram (MG)} = 1000\text{ micrograms (MCG)}$, $1\text{ kiloliter (KL)} = 1000\text{ liters (L)}$,

$1\text{ liter (L)} = 1000\text{ milliliters (ML)}$, and

$1\text{ milliliter (ML)} = 1000\text{ microliters (MCL)}$.

For pediatric patients, weight is typically measured in pounds, and medications are often dosed in milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). To convert pounds to kilograms: $\text{LBS} \div 2.2 = \text{KG}$ .

Temperature Conversions: For Degrees Fahrenheit to Degrees Celsius: use the formula $C = (F - 32) \div 1.8$. For example, if $F = 102.2^\circ$, then $102.2^\circ F - 32 = 70.2^\circ$, and $70.2^\circ \div 1.8 = 39^\circ C$. For Degrees Celsius to Degrees Fahrenheit: use the formula $F = (C \times 1.8) + 32$. For example, if $C = 30^\circ$, then $$30^\circ C \times 1.8 = 5