How many micrograms are in 1 milligram?

One milligram (mg) is equivalent to 1000 micrograms (mcg). This relationship is based on the metric system, where the prefix "micro-" denotes one-millionth of a unit. Therefore, since "milli-" indicates one-thousandth, it follows that 1 milligram is equal to 1000 micrograms. This conversion is crucial in nursing and pharmacology, where accurate dosage calculations are vital for patient safety and effective treatment. Understanding these metric conversions allows healthcare professionals, including licensed practical nurses, to accurately administer medications and interpret prescriptions.