1. Measuring Height and Weight
Unit 21
Measuring Height and Weight

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

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

6. 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

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

8. Scales Upright scale Mechanical lift with scale Sling scale
Chair scale

9. 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

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

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

12. Reading the Balance Scale

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

14. Obtaining the Height Measurement

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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