If a patient is prescribed 0.5 grams of medication, how many milligrams is this?

To convert grams to milligrams, it is essential to know the conversion factor between these two units of weight. One gram is equal to 1,000 milligrams. Therefore, to convert 0.5 grams to milligrams, the calculation involves multiplying by this conversion factor.

Starting with 0.5 grams:

0.5 grams × 1,000 mg/g = 500 mg

This calculation shows that 0.5 grams is equivalent to 500 milligrams. Choosing this option is correct because it accurately reflects the conversion from grams to milligrams, adhering to the established metric conversions in medication dosing. Understanding this conversion is crucial in nursing and pharmacology, where precise dosages are vital for patient safety.