BAY AREA COLLEGE OF NURSING

Module 7: Weights and Measures

I. Terminology A. Centimeter B. Cubic Centimeter (cc) C. Gallon D. Gram E. Inches F. Kilogram G. Liter H. Metric System I. J. Military Time Milliliter

K. Ounces L. Pint M. Pound N. Quart II. Units of measurement in the household and metric systems for weight, length and liquid. A. U.S. Customary weights and measurements (household): 1. Weight ounces (oz.) and pounds (lbs.) 2. Length inches, feet and yards 3. Liquid fluid ounces (oz.), pints, quarts and gallons B. Metric weights and measurements (international) 1. 2. Weight gram (gm.), kilogram (kg.) Length millimeter (mm.), centimeter (cm.), meter (M.)

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Liquid millimeter (ml.), liter (L.)

III. Common measuring equipment and steps to accurately convert common measurements between household and metric systems. A. Common measuring equipment 1. Liquid measuring equipment 2. Linear measuring equipment 3. Weight measuring equipment Scales Types of scales 1) Standing scale 2) Wheelchair scale 3) Mechanical lift scale (Hoyer) 4) Bed scale 5) Chair scale Conversions: 1. Volume: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 a) b) c) ounce = 30 cc/ml cup = 240 cc/ml = 8 oz pint = 500 cc/ml quart = 1000 cc/ml = 1 lt cc = 1 ml teaspoon (tsp) = 5 cc/ml tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 cc/ml

a) b)

B. a) b) c) d) e) f) g)

2. Weight (wt): 1 pound (lb) = 2.2 kilogram (kg) 1 lb = 500 cc Length 1 inch = 2.5 centimeters IV. Measure volume, length and weight using the metric system and household measurements. A. Procedure for measuring volume: 1. Pour liquid into graduate container. 2. Place on flat surface. 3. Read at eye level. 4. Use measurement at lowest level of liquid surface. 5. Record measurement using correct abbreviation measurement.

for

unit

of

B. Procedure for measuring length: 1. Height = Ht. 2. A resident who is stooped/contracted or resident in bed can use a measuring tape to measure height. 3. Measuring a residents height using an upright scale. C. Procedure for measuring weight: 1. Make sure the scale is balanced at zero. 2. Help resident step into center of the scale. 3. Read the scale when in balance to the nearest quarter pound (or tenth of kilogram) and record.

4. Help resident off the scale. 5. Record.

V. Convert between standard time and military time A. Systems of telling time 1. Standard a) A.M. = morning, midnight to noon b) P.M. = evening, noon to midnight 2. Military/24 hour clock a) Four digits b) No colons c) Do not use A.M. or P.M.