Grains Conversion Solution

[stargazer109]

I have been really frustrated with why schools are teaching 1gr=60mg, 15gr=1g. Mathematically they don't come out equal. Example: 5g=?gr. If you use 15gr=1g the answer comes out to be 75. If you use 1gr=60mg, the answer is 83.3. My teacher could not explain why this happens. I did some research and found that 65mg is more true to 1grain. But since the school is teaching 60mg I have found another work around that will be helpful.

Instead of making the wrong choice, here is the best method to use when converting:

Grams to Grains = multiply by 15

Grains to Grams = divide by 15

or you could think of it like, if you need to convert grams to grains or visa/versa, use the 15grains = 1gram

Grains to Milligrams = multiply by 60

Milligrams to Grains = divide by 60

or when converting milligrams to grains or visa/versa, use the 1grain=60mg.

I hope that this helps someone. I know it has ended my frustration!!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I'm not sure if this will reassure you or add to your frustration, but once you get out of school, you shouldn't have much need to revisit the apothecary system.

As far back as 2003, the JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals included recommendations that providers use the metric system (mg, mL, L, etc) in lieu of the apothecary system (minims, grains, etc).

Good historical knowledge, but not something that should be utilized in patient care anymore.

[stargazer109]

I'm not sure if this will reassure you or add to your frustration, but once you get out of school, you shouldn't have much need to revisit the apothecary system.

As far back as 2003, the JCAHO National Patient Safety Goals included recommendations that providers use the metric system (mg, mL, L, etc) in lieu of the apothecary system (minims, grains, etc).

Good historical knowledge, but not something that should be utilized in patient care anymore.

Thanks for the info. That is a relief, but for the time being, I have to make it through nursing school and just found out that all medication exams, at least in my school, now require 100% correct or you don't move on. That is alot of pressure!