What does X grain mean

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I'm studying a Kaplan practice test and I have no idea what x grain means. Lol

And the problem goes like this:

The physician orders codeine 60 mg and aspirin X grains. Each codeine tab contains 15 mg of codeine. Each aspirin tab contains 325 mg. Which of the following should the nurse administer? (Round the number to the nearest whole #)

I know the answer is 4 codeine tabs but how many aspirin tabs. My choices are 2,3,or 4 aspirin tablets.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

It's apothecary units I think. I don't remember but i believe it's 10 grains. The number is Roman numeral. Also I believe grain I, which is 1 grain, is equivalent to 60mg

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

Usually apothecary units are in the format of gr X. It's grain then the Roman numeral

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

Upon looking it up, it says gr 1 can also be 65mg

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ah Daytonite.....

I think Esme probably has a site bookmarked somewhere....you need the equivalencies.

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Awesome thank you I have my answer. Wasn't sure if I was doing it correctly

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Specializes in ICU.

Yes, believe it or not, some docs still use grains. I used to be a pharmacy tech and saw it mainly with the older docs. So every once in a while you will get an order of Tylenol with grains.

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.

This is a small list where 1 grain equals 65 mg but I do remember that aspirin and iron are in that list. Just like everyone said above it is apothecary units where 1 grain equals 60 mg (except for the few medications where 1 grain is 65 mg).

The way I remember it is from the face of a clock. If the question asks for 1/4 grain then it would be 15 mg, as in 1/4 hour on a clock is 15 minutes. Anytime you see grains, think of your watch on your wrist with a second hand.

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Specializes in Emergency.
It's apothecary units I think. I don't remember but i believe it's 10 grains. The number is Roman numeral. Also I believe grain I, which is 1 grain, is equivalent to 60mg

Pretty good guess for not remembering. :)

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Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

Ha ha I also thought about the watch thing

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