Calculate the dosage in mcg if the ordered dose is 0.5 mg.

To convert milligrams to micrograms, it's important to understand the relationship between the two units. One milligram (mg) is equal to 1,000 micrograms (mcg).

Given that the ordered dose is 0.5 mg, the conversion to micrograms would involve multiplying the milligram amount by 1,000.

0.5 mg x 1,000 mcg/mg = 500 mcg

This means that an ordered dose of 0.5 mg is equivalent to 500 mcg. Therefore, the correct dosage in micrograms is 500 mcg.

This conversion highlights the critical nature of understanding metric conversions, which is a fundamental part of ensuring safe medication administration in nursing practice.