Customary system

Definition

The customary system is a system of measurement used primarily in the United States that includes units such as inches, feet, pounds, and gallons. It is often used for everyday measurements and some medical dosages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The customary system uses units like teaspoons (tsp) and tablespoons (tbsp) for volume measurements relevant to medication dosing.
2. 1 teaspoon (tsp) is equivalent to approximately 4.93 milliliters (mL).
3. In the customary system, weight is measured in ounces (oz) and pounds (lb), with 1 pound equaling 16 ounces.
4. Liquid medications may be prescribed in fluid ounces, where 1 fluid ounce equals approximately 29.57 milliliters.
5. Understanding conversions between the customary system and the metric system is crucial for accurate dosage calculations.

Review Questions

• What are common units of volume in the customary system used for medication dosing?
• How many milliliters are there in one teaspoon according to the customary system?
• Why is it important to convert between the customary system and metric system when calculating drug dosages?

Related terms

Metric System: A decimal-based system of measurement used internationally, including units like meters, liters, and grams.

Dosage Calculation: The process of determining the correct amount of drug to administer based on various factors including patient weight and drug concentration.

Conversion Factor: A numerical factor used to multiply or divide quantities when converting from one unit of measurement to another.