1. Unit 37 Height/Weight Measurement Graphs

2. Basic Principles for Completing Height/Weight Measurement Graphs Height/weight (Ht/Wt) measurement graphs are used to record and evaluate the physical growth rate of infants and children. Standard graphs are usually designed for specific sex and age groups. –Different graphs are used for boys and girls because normal growth rates vary according to sex. –Graphs are also available for ages birth to 36 months and ages 2 years to 18 years.

3. Basic Principles for Completing Height/Weight Measurement Graphs After an infant’s measurements are recorded on the graph, it is easy to determine that the infant is progressing well in a normal growth pattern. A graphic chart is a legal record. All entries must be accurate, neat, and legible. Most graphic charts are completed in blue or black ink. In a few areas, recordings may be done in red ink so they are easier to see.

4. Basic Principles for Completing Height/Weight Measurement Graphs Pencils are not used on Ht/Wt measurement graphs because entries made by a pencil can be erased. Because this is a legal record, the recording must be permanent. Dots denoting measurements should be on the correct age and measurement line. A ruler or straight edge should be used to connect recordings to create the graph.

5. Height/Weight Measurement Graphs Example: Using the length-for-age and weight-for-age percentiles chart that follows, determine the percentile of a 9-month-old boy measuring 72 cm in length. –According to the chart, this infant is in the 50 th percentile of length for age.

6. Height/Weight Measurement Graphs [COMP: pick up Birth to 36 months: Boys chart on p. 268]

7. Practical Problem Based on the following chart, in what percentile does a male infant fall if he is 86 cm in length at 23 months of age?

8. Practical Problem

9. According to the length-for-age chart for boys, this infant falls in the 50 th percentile.