Clinical Dosage Calculations

Simple Conversions

Lets get started on conversion factors. In the back of the book is a list of many conversions. There are really only 5 that you will use.

1 kg. = 2.2 lbs.

1 gm. = 1000mg.

1 tsp. = 5 cc

1 oz = 30 cc

1 L. = 1000ml.

Example:

Follow the rules as steps.

Problem 25 lbs. = _____kg.

Find the conversion factor 1 kg. = 2.2 lbs.

Set up the line 1 kg. : 2.2 lbs. = x kg. : 25 lbs.

* remember that you must place the conversion factor then your problem. If you write the kg first on one side of the equal sign the you must write kg first in the other side of the equal sign.

Multiply the two outer numbers 1 kg. : 2.2 lbs. = x kg. : 25 lbs.

 1kg. X 25 lbs. = 25

Multiply the two inner numbers

1 kg. : 2.2 lbs. = x kg. : 25 lbs.

2.2 lbs. X x kg. = 2.2x

Place the new values into your equation 25 = 2.2 x

Drop the lbs., and keep x

Solve for x

25 ÷ 2.2 = 2.2x ÷ 2.2

* remember for x to be alone you must divide the number beside x into itself. What you do on one side of the equal sign you must do on the other side.

25   =  2.2 x

2.2       2.2

11.36 = x

25 lbs = 11.36 kg (answer)