The Idiots Guide to the Metric System and other measurements

Does this book exist, yet? It ought to. I filled a prescription for a child post tonsillectomy the other day for Amoxil 800mg liquid bid. The doctor confirmed the dose was based on the child's weight. The doctor wanted 22.5mg/kg per dose. So in a 250mg/5ml suspension it comes to 16ml per dose. That is what I put on the label and gave mom a dosing spoon. 30 minutes later I got this call.

"Last time I checked, this is America! I need to know what 16ml is in English! The label on the pain syrup is fine, it says 2 teaspoonfuls or 10ml, but this antibiotic says just 16ml!"

I imagined giving her a lesson on metric vs English. She acted as if we had told her to give the child a dram or some apothecary nonsense. "Did you get a dosing spoon from us?" I feared perhaps we had overlooked that detail.

"Yes!"

"Well, if you look, there are ml and teaspoons measured on it. There are 5ml in each teaspoonful. So, you will give 15ml plus 1ml."

Loud annoyed sigh. "Alllriiiight then!" click

Head meet counter.


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The new safeguard in place to make sure the correct person gets the correct prescription involves the register prompting you to enter the person's date of birth when you ring up the RX. I am ringing out a woman's son's RX.

"date of birth please"

As quickly as an auctioneer she rattles off a string of uncomprehensible numbers. "12394"

I enter 1231994 *buzz* incorrect

"Could you repeat that, please?" I say, because I realize my error, but I do not understand what date she means.

Exasperated sigh "12394" even faster this time.

I enter 01231994 *buzz* incorrect

"Ma'am, what is the birthday again?"

"12394!!"

"OK. Are you saying January 23 or December 3?"

She is now looking at me like I am the inconsiderate idiot here. "December 3!" giving me that 'duh' look.

I wanted to slap her.


Gez I hate people. People have no manners these days.