Metric System & Human Anatomy

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Specializes in Critical care, Pediatris & Geriatrics.

hey everyone!!

i just started my biology class this week and my professor said we will use the metric system, is anyone in here familiar with this..do i need to be afraid? lol..help!! well you all let me know k? thanks..

nurse2b_amy

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The metric system is simple and makes much more sense than the English sustem that we use. The metirc system is the universal system of science too. The English don't even use the English system anymore. The system is basically based on the powers of ten and keep moving the decimal place in either direction.

You are gonna use meters, liters and grams instead of inches, yards, and miles, then ounces, pints, quarts, and gallons or ounces, pounds and tons. See just typing all those English system names is tiring.

You have already used the metrice system anytime you measured something in centimeters with a ruler. The best thing about the metric system is your weight will be a smaller number. Instead of me being a curvy 140 pounds I am a trim and slim 64 kilograms. I love it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I'll just reiterate what the above poster says....you will use the metric system almost exclusively for all things medically-related....your nursing dosage will be just about all metrics, chemistry class will be all about metrics....

As far as learning the system, I've had to do it on my own....I would've had an "A" in my summer online chemistry course had I known the metric system for the first test. I didn't. I ended up going to a local math tutoring center (not Sylvan) to get some help with metrics....it's a little bizarre when you haven't been exposed to it and I still have a hard time visualizing things a lot (sorry, I can pour you an estimated 1/2 c. anytime, but don't ask me to pour you an estimated 5 ml. of anything just yet -- at least if you want to live!! I'm 50 and never had to know metrics for anything except a 2-liter bottle of soda!).

I highly recommend you either visit your campus math lab, check into tutoring somewhere, or get help from someone you know who's familiar with the system. It's definitely not rocket science, but it's vital you understand it!

Good luck!!

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Specializes in PICU.

once u get started using metrics i think you will love it. being based on 10 is SOOOO much easier. hope all goes well!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

as a nurse, the metric system is your friend. Conversions and dosage calculations are easily done with fewer errors. Learn it and learn it well. The better you know the metric system, the easier time you will have in nursing school. nothing to be afraid of...good luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical care, Pediatris & Geriatrics.

Thank you all so much! I will check into some tutoring for metrics then. I'm 32, and it seems I'm way behind compared to some of these young chickys that learned it in high school...whoo..I'll catch on and will take your advice,

thanks a bunch!!

nurse2b_Amy

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hey everyone!!

i just started my biology class this week and my professor said we will use the metric system, is anyone in here familiar with this..do i need to be afraid? lol..help!! well you all let me know k? thanks..

nurse2b_amy

i grew up with the metric system...for me it's the other way around...oz, pds, quarts, miles etc are kicking my booty here in the us :bluecry1:

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