I feel I should not have failed this test

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I recently took a dose calc exam in my maturity class. It is a very important test in the class and you have to pass with at least a 90% in order to move forward into the next class. So we can miss two questions before we fail. You get one retake and pretty much if you don't get the 90% you retake the class. It is not a hard exam at all it just has huge stakes.

So on my exam, the converting factor I used for inches to cm was 1in=2.54cm, which we know is correct. We never went over which conversion factors we should use, so imagine my surprise when I fail the test because what I should have used was 1in=2.5cm, and my answers were literally 1/100th of a decimal off.

My first thought was if anything, my answer is are MORE accurate.

I know I can retake the exam, but now the stakes are REALLY high. If I don't pass then I am screwed. I am really thinking of challenging this grade. It's already finals week and my anxiety is off the charts.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, cwilliams032

My exam is this coming Tuesday; we have to get 100% or fail. There is no pressure, there is no pressure, there is no pressure ;-)

This is what we were given to learn for dosage calculation tests:

CALCULATION CONVERSION CHART

(Most commonly used)

1000 gm = 1 kg

1000 mg = 1 gm

1000 mcg = 1 mg

1 mL = 1 cc

5 mL = 1 tsp. (t)

15 mL = 1 tbsp. (T)

30 mL = 1 oz

2.2 lbs = 1 kg

2.5 cm = 1 inch

Thank you.

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Thanks for the conversion factors. If we were given anything like that it would not be a big deal. Its because we were never given which conversion factors we should use I failed the test. Im just really really worried about making a silly mistake and failing the test again, and I really don't see how they can tell me my answer is wrong when it is more accurate then their answers. Punished for accuracy? That's pretty messed up.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I would argue it as the more accurate standard is 2.54 cm/in. Ask for the conversion factors they wish to use

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, remotefuse:

I agree on the 2.54 vs. 2.5. By the way, do you remember the exact question for the cm/inch calculation?

Thank you.

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If the situation is as described and you were given no conversion chart, I too would challenge this grade. I rarely think this is a good idea but if they gave you nothing to follow, I don't see how your answer should be marked wrong.

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I'm sorry but that seems like a huge loophole for the school to not include a conversion factor anywhere. Are you sure it wasn't in the handbook or given in the text that was part of your reading?

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The question was, a baby born is 19.8 inches long, convert the measurement to cm.

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Was there a conversion list anywhere in your syllabus, paperwork, first day of class notes? What does the the book day? Ours has always been 2.5 cm per inch.

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Specializes in Hospice, Palliative Care.

Good day, remotefuse

Thank you for posting the question; so they were looking to see 49.5 cm vs. 50.292 cm. We don't get any form of study guide or any idea for what type of questions; we are just told to study specific chapters and pages. BTW, I would ask if the decision/score can be repealed given 2.54 is more accurate, and they didn't provide a conversion chart.

Thank you.

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So what answer did you give?

19.8x 2.54 = 50.292, rounded to 50.3cm?

or

19.8 x 2.5 = 49.5cm?

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Oops! Sorry pmabraham! Missed your post! Great minds.... Lol

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