Question

Why does the medical assistant need to understand how to convert the household system and the metric system when most medication orders are given in the metric system?

Answer 1

Metric system

Metric system is the mostly  used common standard system of measurement all around the world .In this system units of measurement forvolume are Liters(L),Cubic millimeters(ml),Cubic centimeters(cc),they are used for measuring oral medication and parentarl drugs.

Household system

Household system is not a standard system of measurement ,it is used in homes,it is less accurate,in this system usually kitchen items are used for measurement like drops,teaspoons,tablespoons,ounces,cups etc.

Usually metric system of measurement is used for prescription of any medications as it is accurate and correct dosage of medication can be given to the patient as per requirement.But in some cases house hold system is used for some medications that are prescribed to be taken at home after staying at the hospital.

As a nurse we know the importance of taking the appropriate amount of medication so we need to have an idea about both household system and metric system of measurements ,as we need to explain patient regarding the measurement of medication to be taken,sometimes we explain them about household system also few elderly people cannot use metric system.So we need to have knowledge about both the systems.