CONVERSION USING DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

• 9 oz. __________= ml.

• 9 oz. 30 ml.
------- X --------- = 270 ml.
1 1 oz.

• 30 mg =_________mcg.
• 30 mg. 1,000 mcg
---------- X -------------- = 30,000 mcg.
1 1 mg.

• 10 tsp. = __________ ml
• 10 tsp. 5 ml.
---------- X ---------- = 50 ml.
1 1 tsp.

•0.5 gm. = _________ mcg.

•0.5 gm. 1,000 mg. 1,000 mcg.
----------- X ------------- X --------------- = 500,000 mcg.
1 1 gm. 1 mg.

•150 lbs. = _________ kg.

•150 lbs. 1 kg.
----------- X ------------- = 68.18kg.
1 2.2 lbs.

Oral Liquid Medications:

The doctor writes an order for a medication that’s in an oral suspension. The order reads to administer 50 mg by
mouth every 4 hrs. as needed for pain. You’re dispensed with a bottle that reads 25 mg/2ml.
How many teaspoons will you administer per dose?
ORDER: 50 mg: q 4 hrs.
SUPPLIED: 25 mg./2ml
•= __________ tsp./dose
•50 mg. 2 ml. 1 tsp.
--------- X --------- X ---------
1 25 ml. 5 ml.

• 100
=----------- = 0.8 tsp.
125

Capsules and Tablets

The doctor writes and order for a medication. The order reads:
“Administer 0.5 mg by mouth daily.” You’re dispensed with a bottle that says 100 mcg. Per tablet.
How many tablets will you administer per dose?
ORDER: 0.5 mg. daily
SUPPLY: 100 mcg. /tab
_________Tabs/dose

• 0.5 mg. 1,000 mcg. 1 tablet

-------------- X ------------------- X ---------------- = 5 tabs./dose
1 1 mg 100 mcg.
IV Boluses:
The doctor writes an order for an IV medication that reads:
“Administer 1mg.IV now. “You’re dispensed with a vial that contains 0.4 mg/ml.
How many ml will you draw up to administer?
ORDER:1 mg. IV now
SUPPLIED: 0.4 mg./ml
•= ____________ ml.

1 mg 1 ml.
-------- X -------------
1 0.4 mg.

• 1
----------
0.4

•= 2.5 ml

IV Flow Rates (gtts/min):

The doctor writes an order to infuse a solution. The order reads: “Infuse 2 L of D5 ½ Normal Saline with 50 meq
potassium Chloride over 48 hrs. “ The drip factor is 15 gtts./ml.
How many drops per minute (gtts/min) will be administered?
ORDER: 2 L (over 48 hrs.)
DROP FACTOR: 15 gtts./ml
_________ gtts/min.

• 1 hr. 2L 1,000 ml 15 gtts

------------- X ----------- X --------------- X --------------
60 mins. 48 hr. 1L 1 ml

• 3,000
--------------
2,880
•= 10.4166 round off to the nearest number
•= 10 gtts/min.

IV Flow Rates
The doctor writes an order to infuse a solution. The order reads: “Infuse 2 L of D5 ½ Normal Saline over 48 hrs. “
What is the hourly rate (ml/hr.)?

• 2L 1,000 ml
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ X ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 48 hr 1L

2,000
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ 48
= 41.66 or 42 ml/hr.