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It is universally understood that the metric system is used mainly in science and health care. Medical providers utilize weight conversion daily in their practice. It is important to address weight management with patients due to the increased prevalence of obesity in the United States. Clinicians should use correct weight terms for communication and documentation among healthcare professionals and patients.[20] Weight significantly affects the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of medications. Improper use of weight conversion may lead to patient harm. High-alert medications such as potassium chloride need special attention, as incorrect dosing can lead to adverse patient outcomes.[21] The ASHP guidelines-based pharmacist interventions significantly reduced patient-controlled analgesia and opioid infusions during a widespread opioid shortage.[22] ASHP provides conversions used in routine clinical practice. A study demonstrated that the hospital pharmacist-based intervention effectively converted intravenous to oral dosing, resulting in significant cost savings.[23] [Level 3]
Healthcare providers are tasked with weight management of the United States population. Clinicians seeing patients must review charts for weight and body mass index in every encounter for weight monitoring in patients. This is a golden opportunity to educate patients on lifestyle changes for weight reduction purposes.[24] Obesity has been classified as a chronic illness and is managed by clinicians to prevent hypertension, kidney diseases, and many others.[25][26] Children are prone to developing obesity, and the nursing team should monitor the children's weight at each visit.[27] Medication reconciliation by pharmacists and physicians can identify and prevent medication-induced weight gain.[28] Electronic health record integration and automatic estimations can support clinicians in prescribing accurate dosing for drugs like opioids.[29] American College of Cardiology and American Heart Failure Association guidelines suggest monitoring standing body weight simultaneously daily.[30]