Rounding Rules

Question 1

General Rule

Answer 1

General Rule- 5 or more round up.

Less then 5 round down.

Question 2

Tablets

Answer 2

Tablets- If scored, the tablet may be broken in half or fourths, depending on how it is scored, to
give the correct dose. In practice, we sometimes divide unscored tablets. In Nursing 100, round
all tablets in test questions to the nearest half (1/2 or 0.5) tablet whether or not it says it is scored.

Question 3

Capsules

Answer 3

Capsules to nearest whole- Great care must be taken in rounding these forms of drugs. Whether
you will round or not depends on the amount of medication you need, the amount of drug in the
tablet or capsule, and the type of medication. The pharmacy may be able to send you a tablet or
capsule of the correct dosage. Know the medications.

Question 4

Drops

Answer 4

Drops- to the nearest whole

Question 5

Parenteral drugs for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections

Answer 5

Parenteral drugs for intramuscular and subcutaneous injections- These are usually rounded
to the nearest tenth. (Work the problem out to at least two decimal places before rounding.) The
syringes used for administration of intramuscular drugs are commonly calibrated in tenths.
Certain very potent medications are given in syringes marked in hundredths. (To make the
calculations work the problem to 3 decimal places before rounding.) Know the medications.
This policy for rounding applies to first and second semester dosage problems. Later, when you
calculate pediatric doses and medications used in intensive care units, you will need to work the
problems to 3 decimal places before rounding.
In Nursing 100, round everything to the nearest tenth except tablets, capsules, and drops for all
exams. Note: this includes tsp., cc, ml, pounds, kg., etc. In the hospital you change 0.7 tsp to cc
and use a syringe to measure.

Question 6

Note: The exceptions:

Answer 6

Note: The exceptions:

1. When changing 1/6 to a decimal, use 0.17 for your calculations.
2. When changing 1/150 to a decimal, use 0.007 for your calculations
3. When changing 1/200 to a decimal, use 0.005 for your calculations