Measuring Height and Weight Unit 21 Measuring Height and Weight

Objectives Spell and define terms. Explain why having an accurate height and weight for each patient is important. Describe and demonstrate how to weigh the patient on a standing balance scale, chair scale, wheelchair scale, digital scale, and bed scale.

Objectives Describe and demonstrate how to measure a patient’s height using a standing balance scale. Describe and demonstrate how to measure a patient using a tape measure and explain when this type of measurement is necessary.

Weight and Height Measurements Changes in weight are frequently used as an indicator of a patient’s condition Baseline measurements of height and weight Usually obtained upon admission These are usually noted on the Cardex

Weight and Height Measurements Weights Frequently measured when patients are given drugs to increase their urine output

Weight and Height Measurements Weight is an indicator of the patient’s nutritional status Measurements of weight and height Record accurately according to facility policy Medications may be ordered according to each patient’s size

Weight and Height Measurements Feet (′) Inches (″) Centimeters (cm) Weight measurements Pounds (lb) Kilograms (kg)

Scales Upright scale Mechanical lift with scale Sling scale Chair scale

Reading the Balance Scale For an accurate value Balance bar must hang freely when you begin Lower bar Measures in 50 pound increments Upper bar Measures in ¼ pound increments

Reading the Balance Scale Short, numbered lines Represent even number pounds Long, unnumbered lines Represent odd pounds

Reading the Balance Scale Add the values of the upper and lower bars together Refer to Figure 21-5

Reading the Balance Scale

Obtaining the Height Measurement To obtain the height value Read numbers at intersection of ruler and scale frame Refer to Figure 21-6

Obtaining the Height Measurement

Measuring the Bedfast Patient Straighten the bottom sheet so it is free from wrinkles Make a small mark with your pen on the sheet at the top of the patient’s head

Measuring the Bedfast Patient With the tape measure, carefully measure the patient’s body from the head to the heels Make a mark on the sheet at the heels Turn the patient on his or her side Measure the distance between the marks on the sheet

Measuring the Contracted Patient If the patient is contracted in the fetal position Obtain height in two or three segments Position patient in side-lying position

Measuring the Contracted Patient Measure from top of head to waist Measure from waist to behind knees Measure from behind knees to bottom of heels Write down all numbers Add all numbers to obtain total height measurement