grams to grains

[silvienurse]

Hi

Please help; bit confused and have an exam coming up really soon........isn't 60mg = to 1grain?

O.k.

let me run this by you; what is 0.3grams converted to ______ grains??

and how did you convert it?

[SarasotaRN2b]

Question...if you go from grams to grains just using 15 gr = 1 gram you get 4.5 gr, BUT if you use 60 mg = 1 gr, you get 5 gr...which answer would actually be right?

Sorry, just confused.

Kris

[pie123]

Question...if you go from grams to grains just using 15 gr = 1 gram you get 4.5 gr, BUT if you use 60 mg = 1 gr, you get 5 gr...which answer would actually be right?

Sorry, just confused.

Kris

Ok, it took me a minute to figure out where the 5 gr came from. Now I think I get it.

The way you work the problem, the gm cancel out, the mg cancel out, and you're left with gr at the end. While you do get what you're looking for at the end (gr), it is not necessary to use the 1000 mg = 1 gm conversion in this problem. The book that I am referencing (that I mentioned in another post) states this: Other equivalent relationships exist between grains and grams:

Example: 15 gr = 1000 mg, 1000 mg = 1 gm

Example: 1 gr = 60 mg, 1000 mg = 1 gm

Book quote cont'd: Thus, there may be several routes leading from one starting factor to an equivalent end value. Insofar as possible, it is best to choose the most direct route (i.e., that which requires the fewest conversion factors). I guess this is what I was trying to say :).

[silvienurse]

I figured it several different ways; that's why I wrote in for advice from everyone.........when I figured it I came up with all the different answers that everyone else has submitted....

First I came up with

50gr

then :uhoh21:

5gr

but just couldn't seem to come up with what instructor said was correct answer which is:

4.5gr

Pie123 please reinterate on your last posting..:) ...I really need to get a good grasp and understanding of this stuff not just for the test but for the "real world as well".

Thanks SilvieNurse

[pie123]

I figured it several different ways; that's why I wrote in for advice from everyone.........when I figured it I came up with all the different answers that everyone else has submitted....

First I came up with

50gr

then :uhoh21:

5gr

but just couldn't seem to come up with what instructor said was correct answer which is:

4.5gr

Pie123 please reinterate on your last posting..:) ...I really need to get a good grasp and understanding of this stuff not just for the test but for the "real world as well".

Thanks SilvieNurse

Alright, I was saying that the way you were doing the problem is one way to get the answer that ends in grains, BUT you are using the conversion factor 1000 mg = 1 gm AND 1 gr = 60 mg. There is no need to use the 1000 mg = 1 gm conversion factor. I think this is what you were doing:

0.3 gm x 1000 mg x 1 gr

______ _____ = 5 gr

1 gm 60 mg

[silvienurse]

Thanks Pie123

I think I "might" have it......do you just take the 0.3grams and multiply that by 15 = 4.5grains????? please advise.....also if interested I have a really neat formula for temperature conversion; it works every time; much simplier to use and a lot less steps involved.

[pie123]

Thanks Pie123

I think I "might" have it......do you just take the 0.3grams and multiply that by 15 = 4.5grains????? please advise.....also if interested I have a really neat formula for temperature conversion; it works every time; much simplier to use and a lot less steps involved.

Yes that's how you do it.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

I talked to two pharmacists over here about this today and they were gobsmacked that ANYONE ANYWHERE was still using grains and minims. The general consensus was that if we ever saw an order written in minims we would immediately contact the pharmacist who would go and talk to the doctor concerned - we also agreed that that talk might include the use of a large mallet or wooden club...........................:chuckle:

But seriously how widespread is this???

[silvienurse]

Thank you; thank you; thank you........that's my point too; but I guess they make you know it just in case you should ever encounter it....PLUS it's on our math test and believe it or not the instructor said there's still some of these type questions on the Boards.............

[allthingsbright]

Doesnt 1 gram=15gr? Or do I have that wrong?

Oh, nevermind-I was right-I got 4.5 too just using the above info. Shortest way to do things!

[truern]

I talked to two pharmacists over here about this today and they were gobsmacked that ANYONE ANYWHERE was still using grains and minims. The general consensus was that if we ever saw an order written in minims we would immediately contact the pharmacist who would go and talk to the doctor concerned - we also agreed that that talk might include the use of a large mallet or wooden club...........................:chuckle:

But seriously how widespread is this???

gwenith, they only use grains and minims in nursing school to torment us:p