Conversion Problems/ Learn
Jean Montgomery, Austin Community College
Jean Montgomery, Austin Community College
Metric System of Measurement
The metric system of measurement, is the most common and accurate system used worldwide and is based on units of 10. The basic units of measurement used in medication administration are the gram (g) and the liter (L). In order to correctly translate doctor's orders or dosages, you must learn and memorize the metric system of measurement equivalencies and their abbreviations.
Unit |
Abbreviation |
Equivalent |
| Weight |
||
| Kilogram | kg | 1000 g |
| Gram | g | 1000 mg |
| Milligram | mg | 1000 mcg |
| Microgram | mcg | 0.001 mg |
| Liquid Volume | ||
| Liter | L | 1000 mL |
| Milliliter | mL | 0.001 L |
The correct format to use when writing this measurement system is: number and unit. For example, 35 L or 150 kg.