Nursing Metric Conversions Related

Review Nursing Metric Conversions related questions and content

How many micrograms (mcg) are equivalent to 0.5 milligrams (mg)?

  • A. 500 mcg
  • B. 50 mcg
  • C. 5 mcg
  • D. 0.5 mcg
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To convert milligrams to micrograms, you need to multiply by 1000 because there are 1000 micrograms in 1 milligram. Therefore, 0.5 mg x 1000 = 500 mcg. This conversion is crucial in medication dosage calculations to ensure precise administration. Choice B, 50 mcg, is incorrect as it represents 0.05 mg. Choice C, 5 mcg, is incorrect as it corresponds to 0.005 mg. Choice D, 0.5 mcg, is incorrect because it is the same value as the initial amount in milligrams, rather than the converted value to micrograms.