Expressing decimal numbers
The numeric decimal form should be used when a fraction is given for metric units, even when dictated as a fraction.
D: The patient had a 2-and-a-half-centimeter scar.
T: The patient had a 2.5 cm scar.
D: The patient had a 2-and-a-half-inch scar.
T: The patient had a 2½-inch scar.
EXCEPTION: If a fraction is dictated and cannot easily converted to decimals, transcribe as dictated. Ask the client/employer if they want these flagged or just transcribed as dictated.
D: We removed one-third centimeter
T: We removed 1/3 cm.
Place a numeric zero (0) before the decimal point in decimal fractions less than 1.
The difference measure 0.5 cm.
The weight gain was 0.8 g.
EXCEPTION: In decimal fractions that can never equal 1, such as bullet caliber, omit the leading zero before the decimal point.
We removed a .22-caliber bullet.
When whole numbers are dictated, do not add a decimal point and trailing zero unless dictated.
D: The patient was given two milligrams of Rocephin.
T: The patient was given 2 mg of Rocephin.
NOT: The patient was given 2.0 mg of Rocephin
BUT
D: The lesion measured 2.6 x 1.0 x 4.2 mm.
Transcribe as dictated
In most cases of measurement and dosage, a number will not exceed 2 places following the decimal point. If dictated, use the exact value as dictated.
The 0.0624 K-wire was placed.
Specific gravity was 1.025.
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